AceShowbiz - Lisa Vanderpump believes Tom Sandoval's "punishment" for his cheating scandal "didn't fit the crime." The 40-year-old reality star separated from Ariana Madix in 2023 after it emerged that he had a months-long affair with Rachel Leviss - but Lisa has now suggested that the subsequent criticism went too far.

"There's a lot of backlash, and I don't [quite] think the punishment fits the crime when it's the whole world against you. I think it was a lot for him to deal with," Lisa told Us Weekly when reflecting on the cheating drama.

Lisa, 63, actually made a concerted effort to offer some support to Tom after the drama erupted. She said, "I was there to try and facilitate some kind of cohesion."

Earlier this month, Tom revealed that he hopes Rachel can find "peace" in her life. The 29-year-old beauty quit "Vanderpump Rules" following the cheating scandal - but Tom insisted that he doesn't have any bitterness towards her. He told PEOPLE, "She obviously didn't come back on the show. I'm hoping she just moves on, you know. Finds her peace, and I'm wishing her the best."

Tom and Rachel were both widely criticised after news of their affair became public knowledge. And Tom confessed that he initially struggled to deal with the controversy, acknowledging that it was a "very, very challenging" time for him.

He shared, "It was probably one of the hardest things I've ever had to face on such a regular basis. It was very, very challenging and very, very just emotional at times. I think after everything, I just want people to remember I'm definitely not perfect. But I am a human being. I'm not a character, you know?"