Apparently, the drama didn’t stop when the cameras stopped rolling on the hit TV show Vanderpump Rules. Nearly one year after her cheating scandal known as “Scandoval” hit critical mass, an ex-cast member has filed a lawsuit against Bravo, producers, and former co-stars involved in this love triangle that captivated the nation. It would seem that reality has started to bite back with the recent Vanderpump Rules lawsuit, but this case is also a riveting study of employee and employer liability in regard to workplace dynamics and work conditions, and it is poised to set a groundbreaking precedent for similar high-profile cases and what constitutes a conventional work environment.
My passion is educating the public as a legal analyst, speaker, and thought leader on all employment law matters. Let’s review this case and its implications on employers, employees, and what qualifies as a traditional work environment.
What is the Vanderpump Rules Lawsuit?
Reality TV continues to live up to its reputation of having plenty of drama as ex-Vanderpump Rules cast member Raquel Leviss has filed the third lawsuit in the Bravo Universe in 2024 against Bravo, producers and former co-stars Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix.
The first two lawsuits this year were filed by Caroline Manzo, a Real Housewives of New Jersey star, and ex-cast member of the Real Housewives of New York, Leah McSweeney. Prefacing the ‘Vanderpump Rules’ lawsuit, a team of lawyers wrote a letter to Bravo accusing Bravo and its parent company, NBCUniversal, of “a pattern and practice of grotesque and depraved mistreatment of reality stars and crew members.”
The origins of this case date back to March 2023, when news broke that ex-cast member Rachel Leviss had started an affair with Tom Sandoval even though he had a long-term relationship with Ariana Madix, turning their private drama into a public spectacle.
A year later, the world received an encore of sorts with the ‘Vanderpump Rules’ lawsuit. In her lawsuit, Leviss accuses Madix, Sandoval, and Bravo of “eavesdropping, revenge porn, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.” Let’s examine the implications of this lawsuit.
What’s the Impact of the Vanderpump Rules Lawsuit?
The ‘Vanderpump Rules’ lawsuit is, in many ways, a compelling case study of the potential legal consequences of complex workplace dynamics for employees as well as potential employer liability in such high-profile cases.
Leviss accuses Madix and Sandoval of eavesdropping, revenge porn, and invasion of privacy, and she accuses Bravo and production company, Evolution, of inflicting emotional distress, alleging they subjected her to a “public skewering” that made her “one of the most hated women in America.” She claims this resulted in her seeking a months-long mental health treatment program.
Leviss’ attorney claims that NBC and Bravo misled Leviss to believe she was “contractually barred from speaking out about her mistreatment” and “deliberately sacrificed Leviss for the sake of its commercial interests.” It is also alleged illegal NDAs were used and claims that “the idea that human beings are expected to sacrifice their mental and emotional health in service of Bravo’s ratings is obscene.”
In the end, whether or not a judge and jury will rule in favor of the plaintiff, Leviss, depends on if they consider reality TV sets as a traditional work environment. How much does the employee’s vocation as a reality TV star and all that comes with it factor in? And where is the line in the admittedly complex nature that is inherent on these sets?
We have yet to witness how far these claims can go in reality TV, a landscape in which the audience is tuning in for major drama and people are living lives that the average person doesn’t experience. There are protections in place, even in these somewhat nuanced and dynamic environments, and this case and cases like it are sure to test these protections.
Thought Leader & Speaker on Employment Law
Understanding the recent shifts in employment law is not a luxury. It is essential for businesses to have a firm grasp on these law changes and groundbreaking precedents set by cases like the ‘Vanderpump Rules’ lawsuit that govern employer and employee liability to avoid costly mistakes. As a thought leader, legal analyst, and speaker on employment law, I am uniquely positioned and qualified to provide expert insight and analysis on all employment law issues and what we can expect as these changes continue to unfold. These issues can be complex, so you need a seasoned legal professional to shed light on them.
Angela Reddock-Wright: Thought Leader, Legal Analyst, and Speaker on Employment Law
I am a former employment and labor law attorney turned mediator, ADR, and conflict resolution specialist who believes it is crucial to stay current with groundbreaking changes to employment law for employees and employers alike. My passion is educating the general public on recent developments in employment law and the workplace trends that impact them. My more than 20 years of experience as a media legal analyst and contributor have led to my own radio show on Tavis Smiley’s KBLA Talk 1580, “Legal Lens with Angela Reddock.” I also am a regular speaker and blogger on employment law and issues related to the workplace.
Also, learn more about my book – The Workplace Transformed: 7 Crucial Lessons from the Global Pandemic – here – https://angelareddock-wright.com/book/.
For media inquiries, please reach out to josh@kwsmdigital.com.
For more information regarding mediation and dispute resolution resources for both employees and employers, connect with let’s connect on LinkedIn for new updates or contact me here. You may also follow me on Instagram.
This communication is not legal advice. It is educational only. For legal advice, consult with an experienced employment law attorney in your state or city.