Ariana Madix and Scheana Shay once had one of the strongest friendships within their Vanderpump Rules crew, but their bond, which fans once knew and loved, isn’t the same. The reality stars haven’t played a huge role in each other’s lives after the Vanderpump Rules season 10 reunion in March 2023, leading fans to wonder if Ariana and Scheana are still friends. Life & Style explains where the pair’s friendship stands today.
Why Did Ariana Madix and Scheana Shay’s Friendship Crumble?
Ariana went through a highly publicized breakup with ex-boyfriend Tom Sandoval in March 2023. The pair ended their nine-year relationship after Ariana found out that he was having an affair with their Vanderpump Rules costar Rachel Leviss.
During her heartbreak, Scheana was by her side. The pair even starred in an Uber One commercial alongside VPR costar Lala Kent in May 2024. After opportunities presented themselves to Ariana, such as joining Dancing With the Stars and becoming the new host of Love Island USA, Scheana’s attitude toward her shifted.
During season 11, Scheana started to entertain the idea of rekindling her friendship with Tom. By the time the finale rolled around, Ariana and Scheana had a heated argument over it.
“I’m seeing that genuine side of him that I’ve loved for 15 years that has been a good friend to me,” Scheana told Ariana. “And I’m hoping he’s changing and becoming better.”
Ariana Madix and Scheana Shay.
After walking away, the Broadway star said in a confessional, “It’s just the same thing over and over, Scheana. I don’t know why she thinks that somehow she knows this man better than I do, but alright, girl. Happy for ya.”
Ariana appeared on Watch What Happens Live one month after the finale aired in June 2024, and told Andy Cohen she was “hurt” by Scheana’s actions.
“During the time of filming, I was definitely not aware of some of the things that were being said behind my back, and I love Scheana, but a lot of things that she said were very hurtful,” Ariana shared at the time. “Specifically, it’s hard to pinpoint something. It’s kind of this general attitude towards me that’s been pretty hurtful.”
Are Ariana Madix and Scheana Shay Friends?
In March 2025, Scheana opened up about her feelings toward Ariana.
“We talk here and there. I think no matter what, Ariana and I are always going to have such a deep love for each other,” the Masked Singer alum said during the March 7, 2025, episode of her “Scheananigans” podcast.
Scheana hoped Ariana would read her memoir, My Good Side, which is set to be released in July 2025.
“Maybe has a better understanding for some of my actions over the past couple of years and understands a little more about my mental state and what I was going through,” Scheana continued on the podcast. “I write about everything up until a few months ago.”
In April 2025, Scheana revealed that she spent “the most time” with Ariana in a while during a mutual friend’s birthday party.
The following month, Bustle inquired about Ariana’s friendships with her former Vanderpump Rules costars.
Ariana deemed Katie Maloney and Dayna Kathan as her everyday best friends. While referring to Scheana, Ariana told the outlet, “Scheana and I will say hi every now and again. It’s about to be her birthday, so we’ll check in.”
