Madix says she felt like she was “a joke on (her) partner of nine years” at the premiere, before wearing a bejeweled version of her revenge dress and getting a high score.
Ariana Madix dancing away from the drama.
Vanderpump Rules star whose ex Tom Sandoval famously cheated on her with co-star Rachel “Raquel” Leviss, speaking at Tuesday’s season premiere. Dancing with the Stars — reflecting on his dramatic Scandoval era during a pre-taped pre-dance segment.
“My life has been a rollercoaster over the past year,” Madix said. “Everyone should see this all unfold and my life blow up on television.”
“My scandal does not define me,” Ariana continued. “I just want to do something useful and positive. It’s time for me to get back on my feet.”
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DWTS Premiere Review: Ariana Madix Shocks with Revenge Dance, Bachelorette Almost Gets an F-Bomb
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“Feeling like you’ve been a joke to your partner of nine years is devastating, but I want to show other women that you don’t have to let it hold you back,” she added. “It will be a more confident, fun and vibrant version of myself because I don’t need anyone else. I love me”.
This season, the Bravo star is paired with Pasha Pashkov. Madix, who wore her bejeweled version Vanderpump Rules the revenge dress danced to Hailee Steinfeld’s “Love Myself” during her first performance.
Her performance was a win for both the fans and the judges: she scored 21 points and tied for second place with Jason Mraz.
Ariana and Sandoval, 40, were together for nine years before the former discovered sexually explicit texts and videos from Rachel on the latter’s phone in March. It was later confirmed that Sandoval and Raquel had been having an affair for several months. The scandal known as “The Scandal” shocked the world, with its fallout unfolding in the Season 10 finale and explosive three-part reunion.
Although Sandoval is currently single, Madix has since split from new flame Daniel Vai.