AceShowbiz - Tom Sandoval has spoken up for the first time since his cheating scandal. In a statement shared on Instagram, the "Vanderpump Rules" star low-key admitted that he was cheating on Ariana Madix with Raquel Leviss.

When addressing the matter, the 39-year-old also made a request to fans. "Hey, I fully understand and deserve ur anger & disappointment towards me, but please leave Schwartz my friends and family out of this situation," he penned in the Saturday, March 4 post. "Schwartz specifically only found out about this very recently, and most definitely did not condone my actions."

"This was a very personal thing. Also Schwartz & Sandy's might have my name on it, but also there are 3 other partners and 20 employees, who especially rely on the restaurant for income for them and their families. Just like TomTom, I'm a small part of a much bigger thing," he added. "Please direct ur anger towards me and not them. They did nothing wrong. Im so sorry that my partners, Greg, Brett, and Schwartz and our employees have to suffer for my actions."

Sandoval went on to note that he "will be taking a step back & taking a hiatus out of respect for my employees & partners." He further stated, "I need some time to address everything else. Sorry for everything."

Since Sandoval's cheating scandal made media headlines, fans called for a "boycott" of his and Tom Schwartz's new L.A. bar, Schwartz & Sandy's. Schwartz himself has yet to respond to the backlash.

Sandoval and Madix reportedly split after finding out about his and Leviss' affair on Wednesday at his band's show. It was unveiled that Madix was "blindsided" by the two's cheating, considering that she "has been hanging out with [Lewiss] recently."