Vanderpump Rules villain Tom Sandoval says he should be paid the same amount of money as Brad Pitt
The barman turned reality star feels that reality stars deserves more pay for the huge audience figures they draw for TV networks and production companies
Tom Sandoval feels that stars from reality shows should come together to lobby for more cash
Reality TV bad boy Tom Sandoval feels that stars from reality shows should come together to lobby for more cash from their global hit series.
Vanderpump Rules star Tom would like to be treated the same as Oscar-winning actor Brad Pitt, earning residuals for any appearances – similar to the deal Hollywood talent has through the Screen Actors Guild.
The barman turned public hate figure, thanks to 2023’s Scandoval, feels that fly on the wall reality stars deserve more pay for the huge audience figures they draw for TV networks and production companies.
However he understands why many popping up in these shows are happy to take any pay simply because it aids their media profiles.
Tom Sandoval was known as the bad boy of Vanderpump Rules(Image: JDMC)
Tom’s unity plan is shared by reality OG Jon Gosselin, who believes that the move would protect talent on the show. Currently, Tom earns around $700k a series and nothing from recycled, reused and old series aired worldwide – even though his bad boy behavior gets him trolled for past issues.
The stars spoke to The US Mirror at author Thea de Sousa’s launch party for The Unofficial Vanderpump Rules Ultimate Trivia Book, powered by CellSound, held at Sur Restaurant in Beverly Hills.
Tom explained that not only does he not get paid for replays but also get backlash from old episodes where he is seen as the villain: “It would be nice to get paid for that, you know what I mean… getting residuals,” he said. “It’s not like when somebody plays Fight Club with Brad Pitt.”
“You know what I mean, like he doesn’t get that like that rush of negativity. Obviously I’ll take the more money. It is what it is. I knew that signing up for it so you know there’s a lot of other opportunities to come with it. It’s a great platform to really put yourself out there,” he added.
When asked if the TV networks and production companies could be “fairer,” Tom responded: “It probably could but so could a lot of things in life.”
He would want to join the union only if he felt all his needs are met, again similar to the deals actors like Pitt achieve through SAG negotiations with studios.
“It just depends on the union and how it’s run and what happens with it,” the TV personality noted.
He also admits the emotional cost of reality TV fame and content repeats can mean relentless social media backlash or trolling.
Jon Gosselin starred on the reality show Jon and Kate Plus Eight(Image: JDMC)
“I think it’s a lot different when you’re on a reality show and especially something that I’ve learned. I will notice that when I’m out something like on social media,” he said. “You know when they replay old episodes and you don’t look good in those episodes it reignites those feelings again.”
Tom’s comments come after it was revealed that season 12 of Vanderpump Rules will be rebooted with an entirely new cast. Insiders claim that pay, contract matters and even time spent on camera are factors in him potentially appearing again in some capacity.
Meanwhile former Jon and Kate Plus Eight star, Jon, is on board for making reality performers banding together. “Unionization would have helped in COVID with supplement health insurance and pay during strike,” Jon said.
“It is really hard to get everyone to do something. But if the option was there it would probably be a good thing to be in the Screen Actors Guild. Now there are so many (shows) people can bond together,” he explained.
However Tom’s pal and VPR cast-mate Peter Madrigal, who also tried acting, feels reality stars do not deserve extra pay.
VPR star Peter Madrigal disagrees with Tom(Image: JDMC)
“I like being independent. That’s just me personally. If there’s a union sure I’ll join but for right now I like where I’m at,” he revealed. “In the future we’ll see it – just depends. The one thing that is great about reality television is that it kind of can give a lot of people a chance at the limelight, at a little bit of stardom, and by getting a career going.”
Peter went on: “Whereas with acting for instance? You have to be really good to get to that level. I tried it but I didn’t do good at it. The great thing about reality television is that it gives kind of everybody a chance. Acting is a whole different beast. It’s hard you can’t just click your heels and say I’m an actor you know It takes training, focus and work.”
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