"Determined to learn"— Vanderpump Rules star James Kennedy releases statement after domestic violence arrest

In a recent statement after his December 10 domestic violence arrest, Vanderpump Rules star James Kennedy has said that he hopes to focus on his "sobriety" and was "determined to learn."

In an Instagram story on December 17, Kennedy reflected on the challenges he faced following his domestic violence arrest and emphasized that he was committed to making "meaningful changes" in his life.

He shared that he was taking time to focus on his sobriety, personal growth, and being present for his friends and family. Kennedy further acknowledged that navigating challenging moments was not easy for him and expressed determination to learn, grow, and move forward with the "incredible support system" that he was receiving.

"I am committed to making meaningful changes in my life. I am taking time to focus on my sobriety, personal growth, and being present for my loved ones. Navigating challenging moments is not easy, but I am determined to learn, grow, and move forward with the incredible support system around me," his statement read.

Vanderpump Rules star James Kennedy's statement (Image via Instagram/@itsjameskennedy)

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Vanderpump Rules star James Kennedy was arrested and charged with domestic battery upon a cohabitant

As per the Burbank Police Department records viewed by People magazine, Vanderpump Rules star James Kennedy was involved in an altercation with an unidentified woman during which he allegedly lifted and threw her.

Kennedy’s arresting officer noted in the December 10 incident arrest log that initially, police were called to Kennedy's Los Angeles home around 11.30 pm for an “unknown problem.” The officer contacted both Kennedy and the woman at the residence, and the latter said that “her boyfriend lifted her up and threw her to the ground.”

While the unidentified woman referred to the Vanderpump Rules star as her "boyfriend," the authorities did not confirm that the woman was James Kennedy's girlfriend, Ally Lewber.

"The investigation determined it was a domestic incident, leading to [Kennedy's] arrest. [Kennedy] was booked for misdemeanor domestic violence and later posted bail. Formal charges are pending review by the Burbank City Attorney’s office," a police spokesperson confirmed to People on December 10.

According to TMZ, a witness saw the Vanderpump Rules star arguing with a woman and even allegedly grabbing her at one point. However, the officers told the outlet that they did not see any visible injuries on her.

Burbank Police Department's records mention that Kennedy was arrested and charged with domestic battery upon a cohabitant. He was locked up in jail on December 11 and was later released on $20,000 bail.

According to People, Kennedy's attorneys released a statement on Friday, December 13, stating that they were conducting their own investigation into the allegations.

“We are in the process of conducting our own investigation into the allegations levied by the Burbank Police Department against James. 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,” the statement read.

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Vanderpump Rules star's sobriety journey

James Kennedy has been open about his alcohol addiction and sobriety journey. In a July 5, 2020, Instagram post, he celebrated his one-year sobriety and shared that marijuana helped him to no longer use alcohol.

Later, in an October 2021 episode of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, Kennedy shared that he would eventually "quit weed also when the time comes" as it did not affect his life in a "negative way."

In a February 2023 episode of Vanderpump Rules, Kennedy revealed that he resumed drinking following his breakup with Rachel "Raquel" Leviss. However, he mentioned that he "learned a lot" during the two years he was sober.

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All episodes of Vanderpump Rules are available on Bravo.