Kristen Doute says there's a “misconception” about her boyfriend’s relationship with Tom Sandoval.
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The Valley cast member addressed the topic during the August 9 episode of Balancing Act, a popular podcast series she co-hosts with her live-in beau, Luke Broderick. At around the 32-minute mark, the Bravo couple answered a few fan-submitted questions, including one that asked why Kristen “allows” Luke to be friends with Tom.
“Luke can always do whatever he wants. There is no allowing or not allowing anything,” Kristen said. “I can tell Luke a preference I have on his friends or when he goes out or whatever. Because I’m such a homebody, sometimes I’m like, ‘Oh my God, you go out so much,’ which you don’t really. But as far as allowing him to be friends with anyone, it’s up to him. It doesn’t rub me the wrong way.”
Kristen Doute says Luke Broderick & Tom Sandoval aren't "bosom buddies"
Kristen also claimed there was a false narrative surrounding Luke and her former Vanderpump Rules castmate, as many people mistakenly likened them to "bosom buddies.” Kristen said that misconception was likely fueled by their podcast discussions on the Vanderpump Rules drama and Luke's perceived defense of Tom.
The ex-SURver said she and Luke looked at Tom’s controversies through a different lens because they’ve had completely different experiences with him. However, Kristen insisted she had no ill will toward the Schwartz & Sandy's owner, whom she dated between 2006-2012.
Kristen says she wants "the best for" her ex-boyfriend Tom
“My narrative is a little bit different because of my past with Tom,” she explained. “I don’t have hate in my heart. I don’t even really dislike Tom at all… Sometimes I just don’t wanna touch shit with a 10-foot pole, because my life is calm and chaotic enough as it is. I don’t need to bring in outside chaos.”
Kristen said she wants the best for Tom — and everyone else in the Vanderpump Rules cast — but has no interest in rebuilding a relationship with her ex.
“It’s just hard for me to want to hang out with someone who is making such shitty decisions,” she continued. “But Luke, like I said, Tom is not your best friend… It doesn’t bother me. It’s not like he’s inviting Sandoval to the house so the three of us can have a kumbaya circle.”
Luke on his relationship with Tom: "He's been the same person to me"
Luke generally agreed with Kristen’s assessment, saying he and Tom are “more than acquaintances” but not exactly BFFs.
“Tom and I have had fun. We run into each other at the bar more times than we planned to hang out,” he explained. “That kind of describes it. But when we’ve been together, we’ve had a good time and he’s been the same person to me.”
Luke acknowledged some fans get “pissed off and frustrated” whenever he defends Tom, but said the outside chatter wouldn’t influence his opinion.
“I’m sorry to all the listeners who want me to judge [Tom] based on everything you’ve seen on Vanderpump Rules,” he continued. “That’s something that’s not gonna change about me: I judge the person based on my experience with them.”
