In the ever-evolving landscape of reality television, few names have captured public attention quite like Raquel Leviss. Once a prominent figure on Bravo's hit series, Vanderpump Rules, her life took an unexpected turn, catapulting her into the epicenter of a media storm known as "Scandoval." Yet, beyond the headlines and dramatic narratives, Raquel Leviss has embarked on a profound journey of self-discovery, healing, and personal transformation, redefining her path away from the glare of the cameras.
This article delves into the multifaceted life of Raquel Leviss, exploring her origins on the show, the infamous events that led to her public reckoning, and her subsequent pivot towards a more private existence focused on mental health advocacy and holistic healing. We will trace her evolution from a college student to a reality TV personality, and ultimately, to a woman committed to personal growth and well-being, shedding light on what she is doing today and the lessons her journey offers.
Table of Contents
- Biography & Early Life: The Foundations of Rachel "Raquel" Leviss
- The Rise to Reality TV Stardom: Joining Vanderpump Rules
- The Scandoval Fallout: A Reputation Under Scrutiny
- Navigating the Aftermath: Mental Health and Healing
- A New Path: Mental Health Advocacy and Sound Healing
- Legal Battles and Moving Forward: Offers and Deadlines
- Embracing a Single Life and New Connections
- What is Raquel Leviss Doing Today? A Glimpse into Her Present
- Conclusion: From Public Scrutiny to Personal Serenity
Biography & Early Life: The Foundations of Rachel "Raquel" Leviss
Born Rachel Leviss, she later adopted the stage name Raquel for her public persona, a name that became synonymous with the drama and glamour of reality television. Before her foray into the world of unscripted entertainment, Raquel Leviss was a dedicated student with aspirations rooted in health and wellness. When Rachel (Raquel) Leviss joined Vanderpump Rules in season 5, she was a college student at Sonoma State University. There, she was studying kinesiology and wanted to get her masters, showcasing an early interest in the mechanics of the human body and a drive for higher education.
This academic background provides a fascinating contrast to the highly publicized events that would later define her public image. It suggests a person with a foundational interest in well-being, a thread that, ironically, would resurface powerfully in her life after the tumultuous events of 2023. Her early life, marked by academic pursuit, laid a groundwork that, while initially overshadowed by reality TV fame, ultimately informed her pivot towards a career centered on mental and physical healing.
Personal Data & Biodata: Raquel Leviss
| Full Name | Rachel "Raquel" Leviss |
| Age | 30 (as of recent announcements) |
| Occupation | Model, Mental Health Advocate, Trauma-Informed Sound Healer, Former Reality TV Personality |
| Known For | Role on Vanderpump Rules, "Scandoval" |
| Education | Sonoma State University (Kinesiology) |
| Current Residence | Tucson, Arizona |
The Rise to Reality TV Stardom: Joining Vanderpump Rules
Raquel Leviss first stepped into the spotlight as a recurring cast member on Vanderpump Rules in its fifth season, eventually becoming a main cast member. Her initial storyline often revolved around her relationship with fellow cast member James Kennedy, a dynamic that introduced her to the show's loyal fanbase. Over the seasons, viewers watched Raquel navigate friendships, romantic relationships, and the inherent drama that comes with working at SUR, Lisa Vanderpump's West Hollywood restaurant.
Her presence on the show was initially characterized by a seemingly innocent demeanor, often perceived as naive or sheltered by some of her co-stars. This perception, however, would be dramatically challenged as her role in the show's most explosive scandal unfolded. For years, Raquel Leviss was simply one of many faces in the ensemble, participating in the usual feuds and celebrations that define reality television. Her appearance at events like Bravocon 2022 on October 15, 2022, captured by Cindy Ord/Bravo via Getty Images, marked a period where she was fully immersed in the reality TV ecosystem, a world that would soon turn upside down for her.
The Scandoval Fallout: A Reputation Under Scrutiny
The spring of 2023 brought an unprecedented seismic event to the reality TV landscape: "Scandoval." This term was coined to describe the revelation of an affair between Raquel Leviss and Tom Sandoval, who was the longtime boyfriend of Leviss's co-star and close friend, Ariana Madix. The news sent shockwaves through the Vanderpump Rules community and the wider pop culture sphere, as the affair had been kept secret for months, unfolding while Sandoval and Madix were still in a committed, nearly decade-long relationship.
The exposure of this affair instantly transformed Raquel Leviss's public image. Raquel Leviss's reputation has been quite sketchy since her affair with her Vanderpump Rules star Tom Sandoval was exposed. She became the subject of intense public scrutiny, criticism, and vitriol, facing a level of backlash rarely seen for a reality TV personality. The season 10 reunion, which aired June 7, became the most watched Bravo telecast in nearly a decade, largely due to the raw and emotional fallout of Scandoval. Raquel Leviss gave her first interview since filming the season 10 reunion, a testament to the immense public interest and the personal toll the scandal took on her.
The affair, involving Raquel Leviss, Tom Sandoval, and Ariana Madix in season 10 of Vanderpump Rules, as depicted by Nicole Weingart / Bravo, became a defining moment for the show and its cast. It highlighted the blurred lines between reality and entertainment, and the very real consequences of personal actions played out on a public stage. The immense pressure and negative attention undoubtedly contributed to the significant shifts in Raquel's life that followed.
Navigating the Aftermath: Mental Health and Healing
The immediate aftermath of Scandoval was incredibly challenging for Raquel Leviss. The intense public backlash, coupled with the personal ramifications of her actions, led her to seek professional help. Raquel Leviss is still receiving treatment at a mental health facility after the explosive Vanderpump Rules reunion, US Weekly confirmed. This decision underscored the severe impact the scandal had on her well-being, demonstrating a critical need for privacy and professional support during a period of extreme emotional distress.
Her time in treatment marked a crucial turning point, signaling a deliberate step away from the public eye to prioritize her mental health. Upon the completion of filming the reunion, she made the decision to focus on healing, recognizing the profound psychological toll of the events. This period of retreat was not merely about escaping the spotlight but about engaging in deep introspection and therapeutic work to process the trauma and navigate the complex emotions associated with her public fall from grace.
This commitment to her mental health, a journey often unseen by the public, laid the groundwork for her eventual pivot into a new career path, one that directly reflects her personal experiences and newfound understanding of healing.
A New Path: Mental Health Advocacy and Sound Healing
Emerging from the depths of public scrutiny and personal turmoil, Raquel Leviss has charted a new course, one that aligns with her earlier interests in well-being and her recent experiences with healing. Rachel “Raquel” Leviss’ healing journey appears to have landed her a new career. The former Vanderpump Rules star, 30, announced she is now a trauma-informed sound healer after going through significant personal challenges.
This career shift is not merely a change of profession but a profound reflection of her personal growth. Raquel Leviss has embraced the role of a mental health advocate, a certified sound bowl practitioner, and someone who is "learning as I go." This humble and open approach suggests a genuine commitment to her new path, one built on empathy and shared experience rather than celebrity.
Becoming a Trauma-Informed Sound Healer
The transition to becoming a trauma-informed sound healer is particularly significant. It indicates a deep understanding of the impact of trauma on the human psyche and a desire to help others navigate their own healing journeys. Sound healing, a practice that uses vibrations and frequencies to promote relaxation and well-being, offers a stark contrast to the chaotic environment of reality television. It provides a serene and meditative space, reflecting the peace Raquel now seeks in her own life. Her dedication to this new profession underscores her commitment to utilizing her personal experiences to contribute positively to the mental health landscape.
Living a Serene Life in Tucson, Arizona
Part of Raquel's transformation involved a geographical shift, a physical distancing from the very environment that fueled her public persona. Raquel Leviss left Los Angeles after Scandoval to become a sound bath healer in Arizona. She is living a serene life in Tucson, Arizona. This move signifies a deliberate choice to prioritize tranquility and anonymity over the fast-paced, highly public life she once led. The desert landscape of Arizona offers a quiet refuge, allowing her to focus on her healing practice and personal well-being away from the constant glare of paparazzi and social media.
This change of scenery is integral to her new identity as a mental health advocate and healer, providing the necessary space for reflection and growth. It's a testament to her commitment to creating a life that truly serves her, rather than one dictated by external pressures or public expectations.
Legal Battles and Moving Forward: Offers and Deadlines
Even as Raquel Leviss focused on her healing and new career, remnants of her past public life continued to surface, particularly in the legal arena. Tom Sandoval revealed that Rachel “Raquel” Leviss recently made an offer to drop her revenge porn lawsuit against him on his podcast on Wednesday. This development highlights the ongoing complexities and unresolved issues stemming from Scandoval, even as both parties attempt to move forward.
The existence of such a lawsuit, and Raquel's offer to drop it, speaks volumes about the deep personal and legal entanglements that arose from the affair. It also suggests a desire on her part to fully sever ties with the past and avoid prolonged legal battles, allowing her to dedicate her energy to her new, more peaceful life. Interestingly, Tom Sandoval begged a judge to allow him to avoid consequences for missing an important deadline in his battle with Rachel Leviss (formerly known as Raquel Leviss), claiming he was busy with other commitments. This detail further illustrates the lingering legal shadows and the challenges of disentangling from such a public and contentious situation, even when one party is actively seeking resolution and peace.
Embracing a Single Life and New Connections
Amidst her healing journey and career pivot, Raquel Leviss has also been navigating her personal relationships. After the intense scrutiny of her past romantic entanglements, she has been focused on embracing a new chapter of her life. With help from friends Scheana Shay and Charli Burnett, Raquel is embracing her new single lifestyle. This support system from former co-stars indicates that while she has stepped away from the show, she maintains some connections that are crucial for her well-being.
The emphasis on a "single lifestyle" suggests a period of independence and self-discovery, allowing her to rebuild her life on her own terms, free from the complexities of high-profile relationships that once dominated her narrative. This focus on self-reliance and genuine friendships is a healthy step forward, particularly after the highly publicized and damaging nature of her last relationship.
New Relationships and Holiday Road
While embracing her single life, Raquel has also shown glimpses of new connections, albeit with a much lower public profile than before. Rachel “Raquel” Leviss shared a series of new photos of herself and her new boyfriend over the weekend as they visited Holiday Road in Calabasas, California, ahead of the upcoming Christmas season. “‘Tis the season,” Rachel wrote in the caption of a December 8 slideshow of photos. This brief public sharing, though minimal, indicates that she is open to forming new bonds in her life, but on her own terms and away from the intense media glare that defined her previous relationships.
These moments suggest a cautious re-entry into the world of dating, prioritizing privacy and authenticity over public spectacle. It shows a woman who is carefully building a new life, choosing who and what she shares with the world, a significant departure from her reality TV days.
What is Raquel Leviss Doing Today? A Glimpse into Her Present
So, what is Vanderpump Rules' Rachel Raquel Leviss doing today? The answer is a blend of personal growth, professional development, and a commitment to a more serene existence. Raquel Leviss is a model, mental health advocate, and former reality TV personality best known for her role on Vanderpump Rules. However, her current focus is firmly on her role as a trauma-informed sound healer and mental health advocate. She is a certified sound bowl practitioner, actively learning as she goes, embodying a philosophy of continuous self-improvement and dedication to her new craft.
Her life in Tucson, Arizona, is a testament to her desire for peace and privacy, a stark contrast to the bustling, high-drama world of Los Angeles and reality television. Raquel Leviss scandoval in 2023 was a pivotal moment, leading her to leave Los Angeles after the scandal to become a sound bath healer in Arizona. This move was not just a change of address but a fundamental shift in her lifestyle and priorities.
She has clearly stated, “I have created something and I have a vision and so you know, I'm taking action.” This powerful statement encapsulates her current mindset: proactive, visionary, and committed to building a life that truly resonates with her values. She is no longer just a character on a show but an individual actively shaping her destiny, driven by a newfound purpose rooted in healing and personal well-being. Her journey is a compelling narrative of resilience, showing how one can navigate immense public pressure and emerge with a renewed sense of self and purpose.
Conclusion: From Public Scrutiny to Personal Serenity
The journey of Raquel Leviss from a college student to a reality TV sensation, through the eye of a public storm, and into a life dedicated to mental health and holistic healing, is a remarkable testament to human resilience. Her story, marked by the infamous "Scandoval," serves as a powerful reminder of the intense pressures public figures face and the profound impact of personal choices played out on a global stage.
Today, Raquel Leviss is actively building a new life, far removed from the dramatic narratives that once defined her. As a trauma-informed sound healer and mental health advocate, she is channeling her personal experiences into a meaningful career, embodying a commitment to well-being and continuous growth. Her move to Tucson, Arizona, and her focus on a serene, private existence underscore a deliberate choice for peace over publicity.
Raquel's journey offers valuable insights into the possibility of transformation, even in the face of immense adversity. It highlights the importance of prioritizing mental health, embracing new paths, and finding purpose beyond public perception. We encourage readers to reflect on her story and consider how personal growth can emerge from even the most challenging circumstances. What aspects of Raquel Leviss's journey resonate most with you? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and explore other articles on our site that delve into personal transformation and well-being.
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