'Vanderpump Rules' James Kennedy Vows To Make 'Meaningful Changes' After Domestic Violence Arrest
By Chukwudi Onyewuchi on December 17, 2024 at 8:30 PM EST
Bravo star James Kennedy has addressed his domestic violence arrest for the first time.
The "Vanderpump Rules" star posted a message to his fans on social media, committing to making meaningful changes to become a better person.
The reality television star was in the news for the wrong reasons recently after officers from the Burbank Police Department arrested him following an altercation with a woman.
James Kennedy Speaks Out For The First Time After Arrest
On Tuesday, December 17, Kennedy posted a statement on his Instagram Stories addressing his recent arrest and promising to do better.
"I am committed to making meaningful changes in my life," he began. "I am taking time to focus on my sobriety, personal growth, and being present for my loved ones."
Kennedy, a dog lover, admitted that navigating challenging moments was difficult but expressed his determination to "learn, grow, and move forward with the incredible support system" around him. He signed off the statement, "James."
James Kennedy's Arrest
Kennedy's statement comes a week after he was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence. The Burbank Police Department reportedly received a call at about 11:30 p.m. on December 10 alerting them of an argument between Kennedy and an unnamed woman at the home the television personality shares with his girlfriend, Ally Lewber. The call also revealed that the argument between Kennedy and the woman had become physical.
Per People, authorities didn't find any visible signs of injury on the woman when they arrived at the scene. However, they still took Kennedy into custody. In the arrest log documenting the altercation between Kennedy and the woman, it was claimed that the latter's "boyfriend lifted her up and threw her to the ground." However, there was no confirmation that the woman in question was Lewber.
Records also showed that Kennedy was arrested and charged with domestic battery upon a spouse or cohabitant and booked into jail on December 11. He later regained his freedom after posting a bail of $20,000.
Kennedy's Legal Team Releases Statement
Following James Kennedy's arrest, his legal team released a statement on December 13, defending him and hoping no formal charges would be filed against their client.
"We are in the process of conducting our own investigation into the allegations levied by the Burbank Police Department against James," the statement read, per E! News.
Kennedy's legal team added, "We understand that there were no injuries and we are hoping that, after careful review, the city's attorneys will decide not to file formal charges."
Ally Lewber Speaks Out After Domestic Violence Incident
On December 14, Lewber posted a statement on her Instagram Stories thanking fans for their support amid the troubling experience.
She wrote, "Thank you to everyone who has reached out with love and support and for checking in on me. I'm okay and taking the time I need right now. I deeply appreciate all the kindness and respect for my privacy during this time."
Two days later, Page Six obtained pictures that showed James Kennedy helping Lewber move out of their shared home. The 32-year-old reportedly showed no emotions as he carried his girlfriend's belongings from the house and into her car.
James Kennedy And Ally Lewber Relationship Timeline
Kennedy and Lewber started dating in January 2022. Their relationship began six weeks after the disc jockey ended his engagement to his "VPR" castmate Raquel Leviss. Two months after they started dating, the lovebirds made their relationship Instagram official by posting a picture of them sharing a smooch. They followed that with a romantic vacation in Tulum, Mexico. The duo also attended their first Coachella together in April 2022.
In July 2022, Kennedy told Us Weekly that he and Lewber were "truly best friends," adding that he saw them going the distance in their relationship. He also said, "I've always been true to myself. So if I didn't see anything going anywhere, I really wouldn't jump into something quickly. But I don't really put a time on anything in life. Like age, time is all relative. So it doesn't really matter."
The lovebirds have enjoyed many more beautiful moments together, but their relationship is facing its strongest test so far following the domestic violence incident. There are no indications the couple has split, though TMZ reported that Lewber is staying at an Airbnb with family after moving out from Kennedy's residence amid the legal drama.