If you’ve spent any time on Bravo TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen the chaos. People are convinced Lala Kent and Tom Schwartz are the new "it" couple of the Vanderpump Rules universe. Or maybe The Valley universe? Honestly, the lines are blurring so fast it’s hard to keep up.
It started with a "soft launch."
Lala posted a photo. Tom had his arm around her. The caption literally said "soft launch." Naturally, the internet did what it does best: it spiraled. But before you start buying matching "Bubba" hoodies or whatever the 2026 equivalent of that is, we need to talk about what’s actually going on between these two. Because, like most things in West Hollywood, it’s not exactly what it looks like on your phone screen.
The Truth About the Lala Kent and Tom Schwartz Dating Rumors
Let’s get the big question out of the way. Are they dating?
No.
I know, it’s a letdown if you were shipping the "chaos energy" of Lala with the "shuffling through life" energy of Schwartz. TMZ and various sources close to the pair confirmed in July 2025 that there is absolutely nothing romantic happening. Lala herself went on her podcast, Untraditionally Lala, and basically laughed the whole thing off.
She called the rumors "hilarious."
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The "soft launch" was a joke. It was a troll. She even added a tiny caption underneath the main one that said, "Like so soft it’s not even real, type soft." But of course, nobody reads the fine print when they're busy hitting the share button.
Why everyone believed it anyway
The reason this rumor grew legs and ran a marathon is that the timing was weirdly perfect.
- Lala’s Sperm Donor Comment: Back in the day, Lala joked on Watch What Happens Live that she’d actually choose Schwartz as a sperm donor. That’s a weird thing to say to a friend, but for Lala, it’s just Tuesday.
- The "Bistro" Sighting: A random comment on Instagram claimed they were spotted at a "bistro" in LA, and that Tom was "always picking up the bill."
- The Katie Factor: Fans love a mess. The idea of Lala dating her friend Katie Maloney’s ex-husband is the kind of drama that fuels reality TV for three seasons.
Lala actually addressed that bistro comment on TikTok. She pointed out that she barely leaves her house, especially since having her second child, Sosa, in late 2024. And "bistro"? Nobody in LA uses that word unless they’re at a Panera. It was a classic case of fan fiction becoming "fact" overnight.
From Enemies to "Cool Uncle" Status
It’s easy to forget how much these two used to hate each other.
A few years ago, Lala was in "scorched earth" mode. She was furious at Schwartz for maintaining a friendship with her ex, Randall Emmett, after their very public and very messy split. She called him a liability. She told him to stay away from her.
Schwartz, in typical Schwartz fashion, just kind of blinked and looked confused.
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But things changed. By the time Vanderpump Rules Season 11 wrapped, and they moved into this weird limbo between shows, they became genuine friends. Lala has even described him as the "cool uncle" to her kids.
"Schwartz is one of my dearest friends," she told Parents magazine in 2025.
It’s a bizarre character arc, but that’s the Bravo way. You scream at someone at a reunion, and three years later, you’re doing a joint podcast episode about herbal inhalers and "vintage" VPR memories.
The Podcast Connection
If you want to hear their real dynamic, listen to the Detox Retox podcast episode where Lala was a guest. It’s titled "Cheese & Crackers In Bed With Lala Kent." They have this easy, comfortable rapport that only comes from surviving a decade of televised trauma together. They aren't flirting; they're trauma bonding.
What This Means for The Valley Season 3
So, why keep the rumors alive with "soft launch" posts?
The Valley. As of early 2026, rumors are swirling that Tom Schwartz has been filming for Season 3 of The Valley. Lala is already heavily involved with that cast. If you’re a reality star and you aren't being talked about, you aren't getting a paycheck.
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By "soft launching" a fake relationship, they guaranteed a week of headlines. It keeps them relevant while Vanderpump Rules is on its extended "hiatus" (or whatever we’re calling the end of the show these days).
Is there any chance for a real romance?
Probably not. Lala is sober, fiercely independent, and raising two kids. Schwartz is... well, he’s Schwartz. He recently split from Sophia Skoro and seems more interested in his plants and his new neighbor Jax Taylor than in a serious relationship with a woman who would likely "pop off" on him before breakfast.
Lala has been very clear: she doesn't want a man in her house right now. She has a "drawer full of vibrators" (her words, not mine) and a very full plate.
Actionable Takeaways for Bravo Fans
If you're trying to keep up with the Lala Kent and Tom Schwartz saga, here is how to navigate the noise:
- Check the Captions: Lala is the queen of the "tiny text" disclaimer. If she posts something scandalous, look for the small font at the bottom where she admits she's joking.
- Ignore "Bistro" Rumors: If a "source" doesn't name a specific West Hollywood spot (like Catch, Craig's, or even Schwartz & Sandy's), it’s probably fake.
- Follow the Filming Cycles: Watch for these rumors to spike whenever The Valley or a new project is about to announce its cast. It’s a marketing tactic as old as time.
- Listen to the Podcasts: Give Them Lala and Detox Retox are where the actual truth (or at least their version of it) comes out. The Instagram stories are just the trailer; the podcasts are the actual movie.
The bond between Lala and Schwartz is real, but it’s strictly platonic. They’ve managed to turn a decade of animosity into a genuine friendship that serves both their personal lives and their PR machines. Just don't expect a wedding special anytime soon.