VPR's James Kennedy Arrested On Domestic Violence Charge

Original Vanderpump Rules star James Kennedy was arrested on Tuesday, December 10, per TMZ.

Editor’s note: This article contains mentions of domestic violence, or may be otherwise triggering to survivors. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please visit thehotline.org to connect with confidential help. Assistance is available 24/7/365.

According to the outlet, James was arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence.

In late November, Bravo made a shock announcement about Vanderpump Rules — with the exception of Peter Madrigal, the entire cast was being "rebooted" for Season 12.

On December 6, Bravo's "The Daily Dish" published a blog post, "Ally [Lewber] Unpacks James Kennedy's Emotional Reaction to Vanderpump Rules Shakeup: 'Grieving,'" which, as the title indicated, dealt with the original cast member's feelings about the reboot.

In the first few paragraphs, it details James' sadness following the news:

"James Kennedy and his girlfriend Ally Lewber are looking to the future amid the Vanderpump Rules Season 12 cast shakeup, but not without a lot of accompanying emotions ...

" ... Ally told Us Weekly on Dec. 3 that James was 'grieving and just feeling emotions' when he found out about the casting news. Although they were apart when they found out, Ally was able to talk to James on the phone about it."

In a "what's next" section, Bravo mentioned that James and Ally "currently [live] in the cutest Burbank bungalow," and that while Ally planned to focus on her astrology business, James was touring the United States as a DJ.

VPR Fans Were Not Surprised By James' Arrest

On December 12, TMZ was first to report James' arrest in relation to what the outlet says are misdemeanor charges of domestic violence.

TMZ notoriously has well-placed sources in law enforcement, often breaking news of celebrities' and reality TV stars' hush-hush brushes with the law.

After receiving a tip, the outlet reported:

"We're told a witness saw [James] Kennedy and [a] woman arguing ... with the reality TV star allegedly grabbing her at one point, though we're told officers did not see any visible injuries [to] her.

"It's worth noting Kennedy and his girlfriend, Ally Lewber, appeared to attend a holiday party at Kathy Hilton's home the night of the arrest."

Alleged incidents of domestic violence and related legal issues are a sensitive matter, and details are often withheld by police, the media, or both, in an effort to prevent further harm to affected parties.

The outlet added that the "Burbank City Attorney's Office is currently reviewing the case for possible charges," and that James was released on $20,000 bail.

VPR fans immediately discussed the arrest on Reddit — but way back on January 1 of this year, a Reddit user submitted a post to r/vanderpumprules, alleging that "James Kennedy is the worst person on the show," and citing "[the] cheating, the abusive behaviour, [and] the ego" they observed.

After news of James' arrest broke, a post was submitted to r/vanderpumprules to discuss the development.

The very top comment reiterated what the poster quoted above said back in January, and it referenced James' actions toward previous girlfriends on Vanderpump Rules:

"Shocker. James has always been abusive towards his girlfriends. People didn’t believe Kristen [Doute] because she’s 'crazy.' People didn’t believe Rachel [Leviss] because of her affair.

"Maybe the people constantly praising him and ally saying 'she changed him!!!!' will finally stop. BEING A GOOD WOMAN DOES NOT STOP SOMEONE FROM ABUSING YOU. he is sick."

In that comment, the VPR fan weighing in also called out fellow fans for claiming that Ally had "changed" him, pointing out that such notions were rhetorically dangerous.

Another wrote:

Yikes. Not surprised after what Kristen has said, but still terrible.

A nearly identical thread was shared on r/Vanderpumpaholics, and comments moved along similar lines.

A recent comment on that thread observed: "Sadly this is not shocking to me at all. While substance abuse was part of the problem, it wasn't the entire problem. He's always had an unchecked anger issue and desperately needs therapy."

Many VPR viewers asserted James' arrest was inevitable, and one said:

"I’m not surprised but thought it would have happened sooner. He had shown us this anger issue since he started on the show with Kristen.

"I know many wanted to give James the title of number one guy in the group but the cast never really had one."

Several others concurred, writing:

"This was bound to happen eventually. I wonder how long till Ally is done with him now there is no show."

"I'm surprised this didn't happen sooner. This man is the real villain of the show."

One asked whether Kristin had commented, and another said: "How funking sad and all I see is SPIT on that door and Kristen’s face. Poor Kristen AND Rachel. Ally run."

Update, 12/12/2024, 2:16PM EST: On Instagram, James' ex-girlfriend Kristen Doute acknowledged the arrest via Instagram Stories, sharing a post about his arrest with the caption: "FINALLY."

James has yet to comment.

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