Kyle Chan, the renowned celebrity jewelry designer, has recently shared his insights and experiences surrounding the highly publicized “Scandoval” incident involving Vanderpump Rules star Tom Sandoval.
In an exclusive interview with Page Six, Kyle discussed his unwavering support for Tom during the tumultuous period, despite the backlash he faced.
Chan, 49, who has crafted jewelry for high-profile celebrities like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Mariah Carey, and whose designs graced the Oscar-nominated film “La La Land,” explained his decision to stand by Sandoval.
“I know for a fact that it was Tom’s fault. It was not, you know, it’s not rocket science,” he stated.
However, he emphasized his loyalty, adding, “But I also think that whoever needs me at the time, I would stand by them, and that was my only takeaway. I didn’t like what Tom did; it was obviously not OK. But I also know that they’re all my family, so you’re not gonna just kick your brother to the curb when everybody does.”
The aftermath of Sandoval’s affair with Rachel “Raquel” Leviss, which occurred behind Ariana Madix’s back, was particularly challenging. Chan admitted to receiving some backlash for his continued friendship with Tom but noted that his steadfast position was largely understood and respected, particularly by the cast of Vanderpump Rules, including Ariana Madix herself.
“I think the main support that I got was from all the cast members, including Ariana. They were quite understanding. And so I think because of the fact that the cast members were not hating on me, I didn’t get as much hate from the public,” Kyle revealed.
During the emotional turmoil that followed, Tom reached a breaking point, contemplating suicide at one point—a detail he shared during the unaired portion of the Season 11 reunion. Chan emphasized his role during these critical moments, “I would show up in the exact same way for any one of the ‘Vanderpump Rules’ cast members, most of whom are also my paying customers.”
As for his approach to maintaining neutrality in a group often embroiled in conflict, Kyle shared, “I think I just stay true to myself. I am the type of person that is very zen. I’m very peaceful. And I’ve always been friends with the entire cast. … I’m just the type that I never take sides. If you guys want to fight, you fight.” He also made it clear to both Tom and Ariana that he would not take sides amid the scandal.
Looking forward, Chan remains optimistic about the relationships within the cast. “After all these seasons, I’ve learned that when they fight, somehow, they’ll come together again because they have very strong friendships,” he reflected.
This philosophy of peace and resilience seems to permeate Kyle’s personal and professional life, as he continues to navigate the complex dynamics of his celebrity clientele amidst the ongoing drama of reality TV.