Are Lala Kent and Tom Schwartz Dating? Facts vs. Speculation
The Vanderpump Rules community has been abuzz with curiosity about Lala Kent and Tom Schwartz, fueled by their recent podcast collaborations and frequent public appearances together in 2025. Fans of the Bravo stars have speculated about a possible romance, particularly after a June 2025 Instagram post claimed the two were often seen dining together at a Los Angeles bistro.
Lala and Tom addressed these claims on their respective podcasts, Give Them Lala and Detox Retox, dismissing any romantic connection while highlighting their close friendship. Let’s dive into the facts, separate truth from speculation, and provide a clear, friendly breakdown of their relationship status.
Are Lala Kent and Tom Schwartz Dating?
Lala Kent and Tom Schwartz are not romantically involved. Both have consistently stated they are close friends, not partners. On the June 30, 2025, episode of Detox Retox, they laughed off suggestions of dating or cohabitating, with Lala humorously addressing an article that used a photo of her pregnant to imply a connection with Tom. Tom clarified their platonic bond in an Instagram comment, emphasizing no romantic relationship exists.
Their June 23, 2025, Give Them Lala episode further reinforced this, with Lala noting she considered a romance but felt their personalities were incompatible, a sentiment Tom echoed.
The Spark That Started It All
The Vanderpump Rules crew is no stranger to drama, and Lala Kent and Tom Schwartz have been at the heart of fan speculation lately. Their close friendship, built over years of filming together, has always had a certain charm. But things heated up in June 2025 when the two appeared on each other’s podcasts—Lala’s Give Them Lala and Tom’s Detox Retox.
Their playful banter and undeniable chemistry had fans raising eyebrows, wondering if their bond had crossed into romantic territory. A particular Instagram post from Bravo and Cocktails on June 24, 2025, added fuel to the fire, claiming the pair were frequently spotted together at a Los Angeles bistro, with Tom reportedly picking up the tab each time. This led some to believe they were more than just friends.
But here’s where we need to pause and look at the facts. While their podcast episodes were filled with laughter and warmth, both Lala and Tom have consistently emphasized their platonic relationship.
Lala and Tom’s History: Friends, Not Lovers
To understand why fans are so curious, let’s take a step back and look at Lala and Tom’s history. Both have been key players in the Vanderpump Rules world since the show’s early days. Lala joined as a recurring cast member in Season 4, becoming a main cast member by Season 6, while Tom has been a staple since Season 3, often navigating his tumultuous relationship with ex-wife Katie Maloney.
Their time on the show has seen plenty of ups and downs, including moments of tension between Lala and Katie, especially in Season 5 when Katie accused Lala of making comments about seducing Tom. That history makes the current speculation even juicier for fans, but it also underscores their long-standing friendship rather than a romantic connection.
Over the years, Lala and Tom have grown closer, especially after the Vanderpump Rules Season 11 cast overhaul, which saw them both move to guest roles on The Valley. Their shared experiences as Bravo stars, coupled with their recent podcast collaborations, have shown a genuine bond. On the June 23, 2025, episode of Give Them Lala, Lala admitted she’s “really close” with Tom, even saying she’d choose him as a sperm donor for her daughters, Ocean and Sosa, if she had to pick a castmate.
Tom responded warmly, calling her trust in him “lovely.” This sweet exchange sparked fan excitement, but it’s clear they were speaking from a place of deep friendship, not romance.
What Lala and Tom Have Said Themselves
Lala and Tom haven’t shied away from addressing the speculation head-on. During their Detox Retox episode, they laughed off the idea of a “hard launch” for their supposed relationship, with Tom noting that even his close friends texted him to ask if the rumors were true. Lala, meanwhile, pointed out the absurdity of the claims, especially the idea that they were living together.
She’s been open about her focus on motherhood, raising her two daughters, Ocean (4) and Sosa (10 months), as a single mom after her 2021 split from Randall Emmett. In fact, Lala has repeatedly said she hasn’t thought about men romantically in a long time, emphasizing her contentment with her current life.
Tom, on the other hand, has been navigating his own journey post-divorce from Katie Maloney in 2022. After a string of short-lived romances, including a fling with Rachel Leviss and a relationship with Sophia Skoro that ended in early 2025, he confirmed on Watch What Happens Live on June 17, 2025, that he’s single and not actively dating.
He’s also on good terms with Katie, praising her happiness and new relationship with musician Nick Martin. Tom’s laid-back vibe contrasts with Lala’s self-described “high-strung” personality, and both have acknowledged they might not be compatible as a couple. In their Give Them Lala Q&A, Lala admitted she’d considered dating Tom but felt she’d be “too intense” for him, a sentiment Tom echoed with a laugh, saying she’d “chew him up.”
The Fan Perspective: Why the Buzz Persists
The fanbase’s enthusiasm for a Lala-Tom romance stems from their undeniable on-screen chemistry and shared Bravo history. Social media platforms have amplified the buzz, with fans noting their flirty podcast banter and single status. Some believe Lala’s preference for high-profile partners doesn’t align with Tom’s laid-back lifestyle, while others see them as a perfect match.
The Bravo and Cocktails post fueled further speculation, though its lack of evidence has been a point of contention. Fans also wonder if their dynamic could be a storyline for The Valley, but both stars’ consistent denials suggest their bond remains platonic.
What Their Friends Say
Another layer to this story comes from their Vanderpump Rules co-star Scheana Shay, who weighed in on the speculation during the July 4, 2025, episode of her Scheananigans podcast. Scheana, known for always having the inside scoop, said she had “no idea” where it started and believed there was “no truth” to them.
She even joked that if Lala and Tom were dating, they were keeping it a secret from her, too. Scheana’s close ties to both—her daughter Summer is best friends with Lala’s daughter Ocean—lend credibility to her take. She noted that she FaceTimed with Tom the day before and saw no signs of a romance. Her comments reinforce the idea that Lala and Tom’s bond is rooted in friendship, not love.
Lala’s Life as a Single Mom
Lala’s current focus is clear: her daughters, Ocean and Sosa. After her split from Randall Emmett, with whom she co-parents Ocean, Lala chose to conceive Sosa via a sperm donor, welcoming her in September 2024. She’s been open about her joy in raising her girls, sharing milestones like Ocean’s last day of preschool in June 2025 and celebrating Sosa’s growth.
Lala has also faced health challenges, including a precancerous eye growth that required a biopsy in June 2025, which she handled with strength for her family. In interviews, like one with Parents magazine on July 3, 2025, she’s emphasized that dating isn’t a priority, as it would take time and emotional energy away from her children. Her openness about being content as a single mom makes it unlikely she’s secretly involved with Tom or anyone else.
Tom’s Post-Divorce Journey
Tom’s romantic history has been a rollercoaster since his divorce from Katie Maloney. His brief fling with Rachel Leviss during Vanderpump Rules Season 10 was more drama than romance, later revealed to be staged for the cameras. He also had a “friends-with-benefits” situation with Jo Wenberg that fizzled out, followed by a relationship with Below Deck alum Katie Flood during Winter House Season 3.
Most recently, he dated Sophia Skoro, but confirmed their split on Watch What Happens Live in June 2025, expressing admiration for her but clarifying they’re just friends now.
Tom’s focus seems to be on his career and friendships, with no rush to jump into a new relationship. His warm comments about Katie’s happiness and his cozy lifestyle—loving “cocooning” in bed—paint a picture of a guy who’s content being single for now.
Could It Ever Happen?
While Lala and Tom have denied dating, they’ve acknowledged the possibility of a future romance. On Give Them Lala, Lala admitted she considered a relationship with Tom but felt their personalities wouldn’t mesh, a view Tom shared lightheartedly. Their openness shows they’ve thought about it but aren’t pursuing it.
Lala’s commitment to motherhood and Tom’s single life indicate romance isn’t on the horizon, but their strong friendship keeps fans hopeful for a potential spark down the line.
The Bravo Universe and Future Projects
Both Lala and Tom have moved on from Vanderpump Rules after its cast overhaul but remain part of the Bravo family through The Valley. Lala has made guest appearances in Season 2, while Tom is a contender for a main cast role in Season 3, alongside other potential new faces like Ariana Madix’s brother, Jeremy.
The show’s drama, including Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright’s divorce, keeps the spotlight on the cast’s personal lives, which could explain why fans are eager to see a Lala-Tom romance. However, Jax has expressed reluctance to bring more Vanderpump Rules alums onto The Valley, suggesting the show is carving its own path. Whether Lala and Tom’s friendship becomes a storyline remains to be seen, but for now, they’re keeping things friendly and professional.
Why the Speculation Feels Like a Storyline
It’s no secret that Bravo thrives on drama, and fans often wonder if rumors like these are crafted to keep viewers hooked. The timing of the Lala-Tom buzz, coinciding with their podcast appearances and The Valley Season 2, has led some to speculate it’s a manufactured storyline.
However, their consistent denials and the lack of concrete evidence—like photos or public outings—suggest there’s no orchestrated romance here. Lala’s candidness about avoiding the comment section and Tom’s surprise at his friends’ texts show they’re as baffled by the speculation as fans are. While a showmance could boost ratings, both stars seem focused on their individual paths, not a scripted love story.
Conclusion
Lala Kent and Tom Schwartz share a close friendship, but they are not dating. Their podcast interactions and public appearances sparked fan curiosity, but both have firmly denied romantic involvement. Lala’s dedication to her daughters and Tom’s single lifestyle underscore their platonic bond. While fans hope for a future romance, their chemistry remains that of friends, not lovers.
