Tom Sandoval Claims Rachel Leviss' 'Carelessness' Led to Revenge Porn Suit, Accuses Her of Acting in 'Bad Faith'

In a new filing, attorneys for the 'Vanderpump Rules' star accused his ex Rachel Leviss of having "unclean hands" more than a year after she filed a revenge porn lawsuit against him and Ariana Madix

Tom Sandoval is accusing his ex Rachel "Raquel" Leviss of acting in “bad faith” in response to her revenge porn suit.

The Vanderpump Rules alum, 29, first sued Sandoval and Ariana Madix for eavesdropping, revenge porn and invasion of privacy in February 2024. She claimed that she was a "victim of the predatory and dishonest behavior of an older man" who filmed sexually explicit videos "without her knowledge or consent."

In the filing, which was obtained by PEOPLE at the time, her attorneys claimed that the events of her affair with Sandoval (which was dubbed Scandoval) "captured the public's attention in a massive way" and went viral in a way that "caused mayhem in Leviss's life" in the form of months-long voluntary treatment at a mental health facility and her eventual departure from the show.

In new legal documents obtained by PEOPLE on July 18, attorneys for Sandoval, 42, counter Leviss’ allegations and claim her “carelessness and negligence” led to the suit.

Related: Tom Sandoval Counters Rachel Leviss' Revenge Porn Lawsuit, Claims Filing Is an 'Attempt to Extend Her Fame'

Sandoval’s lawyers claim in their answer to Leviss’ complaint that the damages alleged by Leviss were wholly or partially caused by her own “negligence, breach, and fault.” The filing alleges that she also failed “to mitigate whatever damages, if any,” she had allegedly suffered.

Furthermore, the filing alleges that Leviss had “full knowledge of the consequences” of her actions and therefore, “voluntarily” exposed herself to the allegations made in her suit.

The filing claims that Leviss should be barred from seeking damages under “the doctrine of unclean hands,” which requires an individual to act fairly in the matter when pursuing damages. The answer also accuses Leviss of acting in “bad faith,” claiming she “did not act reasonably and in good faith."

Related: Ariana Madix Claims Rachel Leviss Is Seeking to 'Punish' and 'Blame' Her with Revenge Porn Lawsuit

Additionally, the filing indicates that her status as public figure should be considered. The attorneys allege that she “relinquished her right of privacy” and the public has “a legitimate interest” in the case.

Consequently, his attorneys are requesting that Leviss’ complaint be dismissed and Sandoval’s attorney fees be covered.

Attorneys for Leviss did not immediately return PEOPLE’s request for comment.

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In her February lawsuit, Leviss claimed that she “was humiliated and villainized for public consumption,” adding that she remained “a shell of her former self, with her career prospects stunted and her reputation in tatters."

In addition to compensatory, special, general and consequential damages, Leviss sought for Madix and Sandoval to cease distribution and destroy all copies made of the alleged explicit video. She also asked that her attorney fees be compensated and the court provide other and further relief deemed as just and proper."

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