Vanderpump Rules star Tom Sandoval has had a lot to say during his 10 years on the reality show, which began its 11th season on Bravo in January. But in a recent interview with The New York Times Magazine, Mr. Sandoval, 41, said something that surprised even those familiar with his shocking behavioral tendencies.
Mr. Sandoval said he was not a pop culture historian when it came to the public attention that he had an extramarital affair with another co-star, a tryst known as “Scandoval.” “I think it’s really strange to compare it to things like O.J. Do you think so?”
Sandoval also said, “I feel like I have more hatred for my affair than the actor Danny Masterson. He’s a convicted rapist.” He spoke in front of members of the public relations team, some of whom were as surprised as his comments.
The author who interviewed Sandoval for the Times wrote that a Bravo representative contacted her after the conversation took place, but before the article was published, to express concerns about Sandoval’s comments.
Sandoval’s spokeswoman, Alix Seeley, declined to comment for this article. Bravo declined to participate. Adam Ambrose, the reality star’s publicist and who has represented Sandoval in the past, said in an emailed statement that collaborating with people on reality shows is a challenge due to the nature of the genre. , said it could pose unique challenges.
“Unscripted, stars are who they are and let it be, so the lines between being in front of the camera and speaking to the media can get blurred,” says PR firm Brand.・Mr. Ambrose, founder of Influential, says: He emphasized that he was speaking generally, not about specific customers, past or present. “Sometimes they can be perceived as uncoachable, making their media presence more difficult to manage from a PR perspective.”
“Furthermore, their interest in their lives may be stronger or stronger than that of other ‘celebrities’ because their fans feel that they truly know and empathize with them.” Therefore, when a scandal occurs, it can provoke an unusual public reaction. Media attention can get out of control and the situation can become truly dehumanized and forgotten. ”
Kelly Brady, a publicist and founder of Brandway Creative, a public relations and branding firm in New York, said opportunities like Mr. Sandoval’s recent interview with Times Magazine are important for controversial clients. “It was a great opportunity,” he said. To “change public opinion.”
Ms. Brady, who represents stars of “The Real Housewives of New York City,” “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,” and other Bravo shows, said that preparing for such interviews involves researching news outlets and journalists. He said it may include. This is to prepare the client “as much as possible”. But even if every detail is thought out, there’s still a chance someone could go off script, she says.
Lori Krebs, publicist for reality stars, including past and present cast members of “Vanderpump Rules,” will participate in media-only stories where reality TV clients agree to participate in the editorial process That’s why I said I like it. To ensure a positive outcome. ” (The New York Times would not agree to such an arrangement.)
Ms. Krebs, founder of Lori K Public Relations in Montreal and Los Angeles, described the reality star as “a completely different type of celebrity.” Some people expect them to be more relatable than traditional celebrities, which “can make it more difficult to manage their image,” she said.
Lynn Hayson, publicist and founder of Lab Media Group, a New York public relations and branding firm that has worked with stars of “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” and “The Housewives of New York City.” said of her approach when dealing with interviews. My reality TV client was inspired by a line from “Hamilton.”
“‘Talk less and smile more,'” Hasson says.