Get to know Ariana Madix’s new man. After discovering her long-term boyfriend Tom Sandoval’s affair with co-star Raquel Leviss, Madix has been spotted enjoying time with Daniel Wai just over a month later.
The initial meeting between Madix and Wai took place at a mutual friend’s wedding in Mexico. Their chemistry became evident when they were seen displaying affection at Coachella in April 2023.
At that point, a source revealed to People that Madix, fresh from a nine-year relationship with Sandoval, was not in a rush to into something “serious.” However, by May 2023, another insider disclosed that Madix had already started “falling in love” with Wai.
Madix transitions to a fresh chapter with Daniel Wai by her side (@arianamadix/Instagram)
“It’s happening quicker than she anticipated, but he treats her well, they’re having fun, and she’s delighted to transition into this new chapter with such an incredible guy,” the insider shared.
Read on for details about Madix’s boyfriend, Wai.
He Comes from New York
Wai considers New York City his home. While specific details about his college education remain unknown, he pursued studies in computer science, business, and math.
Alongside his academic pursuits, Wai integrated his passion for fitness into his life by participating in weight training and taking boxing classes. “While my passion pushed me towards physical fitness, my logic directed me toward securing a full-time job in a corporation,” he stated on his personal website.
He pursued a career in consulting
Upon graduating, Wai embarked on a career in consulting, where he worked with several Fortune 500 companies. However, his fitness enthusiasm prompted him to become a part-time trainer, balancing this role with his regular job.
As outlined on Wai’s website, his consulting position required extensive travel across the country to meet clients. After several years of this demanding routine, he made a decisive choice to continue his consulting work, but from the comfort of his home in New York City.
Despite the change in setting and pace, Wai noted that his consulting role lacked fulfillment and inspiration compared to the training job he took on part-time. He remarked that it “changed my entire outlook on life.”
He quit his consulting job to be a full-time trainer
To fully embrace his passion, Wai made the decision to leave his consulting career and focus entirely on being a trainer. After passing the National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer exam, he accomplished this goal.
“I have spent the past decade as a trainer, which has been one of the most rewarding and humbling experiences,” Wai expressed. “Being a source of inspiration, a reliable support system, and receiving acknowledgment for positively impacting others’ lives has left me humbled and in awe.”
He became interested in physical fitness at age 13
Wai’s journey into fitness began well before college. His fascination with “physical health and conditioning” started at the age of 13. “Like many teenagers, I struggled with insecurities about my size and strength, which led me to incorporate exercise and fitness into my routine, a commitment I have maintained ever since,” he detailed on his website.
He could change Madix’s mind about having kids
Wai not only made his Vanderpump Rules debut in season 11, but he also became a topic of discussion between Madix and co-star Lala Kent in a February 2024 episode.
Madix revealed that her relationship with Wai had “opened my eyes to a lot of different possibilities” regarding having children, something she hadn’t considered before.
“Looking back, Tom being my partner had a far greater influence on my feelings about having kids than I realized,” she reflected in a confessional.
“With Dan, I’ve begun to see that there are various types of partners who can be true equals, and if I can only contribute 10% one day, he’s willing to step up and provide 90%.”
He and Madix enjoy each other’s company
After Wai’s guest appearance on an episode of Vanderpump Rules in April 2024, Madix provided an update about their relationship and their plans for the future.
Despite living on opposite coasts, she mentioned during the aftershow that they “really enjoy each other’s company” whenever they are together.
In that episode, the couple explored the next steps in their relationship. When Madix inquired about Wai’s thoughts on relocating to Los Angeles, he seemed momentarily speechless.
On the other hand, Madix shared that she has “always liked the idea of being more bicoastal.” She explained that her future decisions depend on “where the work is leading [her],” after which she would “see what happens from there.”
He and Madix spent New Year’s Eve in Portugal
Wai and Madix welcomed the New Year 2024 with a kiss in Lisbon, Portugal. Prior to this trip, they also enjoyed vacations in Shanghai and London, as shared on Instagram.
