It’s official. Katie Maloney and Tom Schwartz are ending their relationship after five (well, officially, two) years of marriage and 12 years together.
In separate statements on their Instagram pages, the Vanderpump Rules couple confirmed the rumors that have been swirling since last month saying they are calling it quits — but insisting that they are doing so on amicable terms with “deep admiration” for one another and “no anger or bitterness.”
“I never thought I would have to make an announcement like this. But I feel it’s important that I’m open about my life with you,” Katie began in her March 15 post. “After 12 years on an adventure through life together Tom and I are ending our marriage. This ending is not met with resentment or animosity, no sides to choose. We have deep admiration for one another that will always remain and we cherish our friendship. Although we may be on different paths we will continue to love and support one another’s happiness. Thank you all for the kind words and support.”
In the comments section of Katie’s post, a number of her Pump Rules castmates and Andy Cohen weighed in.
“I love you,” wrote both Ariana Madix and Stassi Schroeder.
Others sent Katie kind messages and heart emojis, including Brittany Cartwright, Lala Kent, Charli Burnett, Beau Clark, Scheana Shay, James Kennedy, and Raquel Leviss.
“I love you mama,” added Kristen Doute, whose boyfriend, Alex Menache, wrote, “I love you both and am here for you both.”
Meanwhile, on Tom’s page, he shared a more lengthy message about the split.
“Well this sucks. How am I supposed to capture 12 years of love in a f-cking canned Instagram caption? What picture am I supposed to use? Is there a go-to break up font?” he wondered.
“Katie [and] I are separating. I’m not quite ready to use the ‘D’ word [because] it’s too painful. Yes my heart aches but I’ll be ok. Not looking to evoke any sympathy here. I’m not the victim. Not gonna write too sad a song. Fully respect Katie’s decision and we’ve had healthy, productive conversations about it. It would be far sadder if she decided to stay with me whilst not happy,” he continued.
Although Tom acknowledged that it would be a little tone-deaf for him to ask his fans and followers to respect his and Katie’s privacy, he did say, “Please be kind.”
“I don’t fault you for any snap judgement. If I was watching us on [Vanderpump Rules] for the last [nine] years I’d be making them too,” he admitted. “Perception gets skewed [because] of seeing [snippets] of our lives on the show, but I’m telling you we had some of the most blissful, romantic, fun times humanly possible over the course of our relationship. I’m talking heaven on heart level joy. She taught me so much about love [and] being a better partner.”
Tom went on to say that he doesn’t look at his marriage to Katie “as a failure.”
“As sad as I am, still happy to say there’s no anger or bitterness. Zero. Still so much love for you [Katie Maloney]. And your family. I don’t think we were ever a model couple. Maybe we are model divorcees. A dubious title I suppose. Also I’m aware of the tragedies taking place in the world right now. I have perspective here. I’ll be fine. So I’ll shut up now and say it one last time, love you Bub. Always [and] forever you’ll be in my heart,” he concluded, joking about the potentially impending removal of the “Bubba” tattoo he has on his backside.
Following the post, Tom was flooded with support from Andy and his co-stars, including Lala’s former fiancé, Randall Emmett, who said, “Love you buddy.”
Also in the comments, Stassi, Ariana, and Kristen told Tom they love both him and Katie as Jax Taylor wrote, “Love ya bro.”
No word yet on a 10th season of Vanderpump Rules.
Photo Credit: Milla Cochran/Startraksphoto