During a recent BravoCon 2023 panel, Vanderpump Rules star Tom Sandoval opened up about the current state of his friendship with costar Tom Schwartz. The duo, who co-own bars Schwartz & Sandy's and TomTom, had faced significant strain in their relationship following Sandoval's cheating scandal during season 10.

Despite the challenges they faced, Sandoval expressed optimism, stating, "We're doing really well, considering. I definitely put him through a lot." The cheating scandal came to light earlier this year when it was revealed that Sandoval had been unfaithful to his then-girlfriend of nine years, Ariana Madix, with their friend Rachel "Raquel" Leviss. The aftermath resulted in backlash from fans, as well as many of their Vanderpump Rules costars distancing themselves from Sandoval.

Schwartz, in particular, experienced "residual hate" due to his association with Sandoval. However, Sandoval emphasized his gratitude for Schwartz's unwavering support, saying, "I feel like it's definitely gotten better. We went through tough times because of me, and he dealt with a lot of residual negativity, and I really appreciate [him] sticking by."

But it seems that their friendship has weathered the storm and grown stronger than ever. Sandoval shared, "I feel like we're stronger than ever. We've always had a resilient friendship and a loving, caring friendship, and yeah, we're in a good place."

The two friends, known for their ventures in the hospitality industry, faced criticism online with negative comments flooding their social media accounts following the cheating scandal. In response, Sandoval released a statement asking fans to redirect their anger towards him and spare Schwartz, their other business partners, and employees.

Schwartz himself had previously stated that he needed a break from their friendship. However, recent reports suggest that any rumors of a permanent falling out are unfounded. During the Vanderpump Rules BravoCon panel, despite some fans booing Sandoval, Schwartz affirmed their enduring bond, stating, "For better or for worse, 'til death do us part."

Both Sandoval and Schwartz remain committed to their joint business ventures, Schwartz & Sandy's and TomTom, recognizing the importance of their partnership not only for themselves but also for the livelihoods of their employees and families.

As the fallout from the cheating scandal continues to shape their personal and professional lives, it appears that Sandoval and Schwartz are determined to overcome the obstacles together and strengthen their friendship in the process.