In a recent New York Times magazine interview, Vanderpump Rules star Tom Sandoval faced backlash for comparing his situation to that of O.J. Simpson and George Floyd. The quotes quickly went viral, sparking outrage and accusations of insensitivity.

During the interview, Sandoval was questioned about why his affair became a massive pop culture phenomenon. In his response, he made the controversial comparisons, causing a stir among readers. Journalist Irina Aleksander attempted to provide context for Sandoval's comments but acknowledged the unintended impact of his words.

Following the backlash, Sandoval issued a statement apologizing for his inappropriate and ignorant comparison. His publicist, who has experience in crisis PR, was seen managing the fallout from the interview.

The profile coincided with the airing of the fourth episode of Vanderpump Rules' 11th season on Bravo. In a sneak peek, Lisa Vanderpump expressed concerns about Sandoval's well-being, mentioning that he seems to be in a dark place.

The article was first published on February 20 at 11:27 a.m. and was updated later the same day with Sandoval's apology. The controversy surrounding Sandoval's comments has sparked discussions about the impact of words and the importance of sensitivity in the media.