It's official: Vanderpump Rules star Katie Maloney has filed for divorce from her estranged husband, Tom Schwartz. Just a week ago, the two took to Instagram to announce the end of their 12-year relationship. Fans have held out hope as Katie and Tom were reportedly still living together and just spotted together grabbing lunch after their breakup announcement. But any possibility of a rekindling seems to be gone for good.
The Vanderpump Rules couple's split marks the end of an era. The highs and lows of Katie and Tom's relationship were a staple of the Bravo show since its first season. After the exes endured Tom's cheating scandals, Katie's binge drinking, numerous arguments and even trouble with intimacy and still got married in 2019, fans had accepted the seemingly toxic pair would be together forever. But rumors began to circulate when Katie was spotted without her wedding ring, and soon after, the reality stars confirmed they were no longer together. Tom's heart-wrenching Instagram post made it clear the separation was amicable but not mutual.
Despite just a week ago when Tom stated he wasn't "quite ready to use the ‘D’ word bc it’s too painful,” Katie has followed through with her decision and put in the paperwork. Us Weekly confirmed that Katie filed for divorce from the Tom-Tom co-owner on March 22. But with Tom reportedly heartbroken and still wearing his wedding band, it's unclear how quick he'll be to sign the papers.
Katie has also opened up about how she decided to end their decade-long relationship. On her podcast You're Going To Love Me, the former SURver admitted it was the hardest and most painful decision she had ever made. But as the spotlight continued to shine on their marriage, Katie said she couldn't keep denying the doubts that were bubbling to the surface. She said, “I wanted to push them out of my head because I love Tom. We have built a life together. He was my person and I wanted to be with him forever. But, ultimately, I just wasn’t happy.”
It seems Katie and Tom's lunch date earlier this week was nothing more than a divorce discussion. The You're Going To Love Me podcast host has been vocal about her struggle with finding motivation and what brings her joy, so exiting this tumultuous relationship may be the life change that Katie has been yearning for. By officially filing for divorce from Tom, Katie is ending skepticism that their breakup might've merely been a storyline to guarantee a new season of Vanderpump Rules. With so many shakeups in West Hollywood, from Lala Kent and James Kennedy's recent splits to now the Bubbas breaking up, the content is there for an interesting season 10 if all of the cast is asked back.
Sources: Us Weekly, Tom Schwartz/Instagram