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On December 27, 2024, Scheana Shay, a star of Vanderpump Rules, addressed the recent arrest of James Kennedy. She explained that her initial silence was due to her respect for Kennedy’s girlfriend, Ally Lewber, who had requested privacy during the sensitive time. Shay stated during an episode of her podcast, Scheananigans,
"I was respecting Ally’s privacy — as she requested...So I wasn’t going to say anything on the podcast, but I now see how that’s coming off by staying silent."
Shay’s comments provided clarity on why she chose not to speak out earlier and addressed her stance on the situation.
Vanderpump Rules star Scheana Shay’s explanation for staying silent
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Scheana Shay highlighted that many of the questions she had received from fans were about Kennedy’s legal issues. In her podcast episode, the Vanderpump Rules star explained that she had written down what she wanted to say to ensure she could communicate her message.
"I did write out what I wanted to say because I want to try and be just as eloquent as possible," she stated.
Despite the ongoing inquiries, Shay emphasized that her decision to remain silent was driven by a desire to respect Lewber’s privacy, rather than an endorsement of Kennedy’s behavior. Shay further clarified that by staying silent, it may have appeared as if she supported Kennedy’s actions, which she strongly denied.
"I know it seems like if I stay silent, you all somehow think I support his behavior, which I absolutely do not," she underscored.
The Vanderpump Rules star added that she had maintained communication with Lewber, frequently checking in, but had refrained from publicly commenting on the matter due to the sensitive nature of the situation.
James Kennedy’s arrest and public response
James Kennedy was arrested on December 10, 2024, following an alleged domestic dispute between him and Lewber. Police were called to Kennedy’s home after reports of a disagreement between the two. Upon arrival, authorities observed Kennedy allegedly grabbing Lewber, although no visible injuries were noted at the scene.
This incident followed prior controversies in Kennedy’s personal life, including past relationships with ex-girlfriends Kristen Doute and Rachel Leviss, both of whom had released statements about their difficult experiences with him.
Shay explained that while Leviss had not reported instances of physical abuse during their relationship, she recognized that abuse could take various forms. Acknowledging the different ways abuse can manifest beyond physical harm, the Vanderpump Rules star explained,
"I had a lot of empathy for her … I wanted to do anything I could to help and give her a safe space,"
She expressed hope that Kennedy’s arrest would serve as a pivotal moment for him to seek personal change.
Shay’s support for Kennedy’s personal growth and Ally Lewber’s privacy
Following the arrest, the Vanderpump Rules star expressed hope that the incident would lead to a "rock bottom" moment for Kennedy, prompting him to focus on personal growth.
"I do hope that James views this as a rock bottom moment and is serious about just committing to a healing plan vs. just seeing this is something that’s gonna, like, ruin the world tour or residency or whatever," Shay explained.
She encouraged Kennedy to pursue help for his issues, noting that addressing his trauma was essential for him to build healthier relationships. Shay emphasized that seeking help was not only important for Kennedy’s future relationships but also for his well-being.
"I know he wants those things for himself and he needs to give himself the proper tools to deal with his trauma that doesn’t involve projecting it on to others," she underscored.
Kennedy later released a statement after his arrest, confirming his commitment to focusing on his mental health and personal growth, particularly regarding his sobriety.
Lewber, for her part, has remained largely out of the public eye since the arrest. A source confirmed that she and Kennedy were taking some time apart, and Lewber expressed her gratitude for the support she had received through an Instagram Story at that time.
"Thank you to everyone who has reached out with love and support and for checking in on me," she wrote.
Shay further emphasized that she intended to keep the lines of communication open for Lewber, stating that she wanted to provide support without complicating her situation.
"I want her to know that she is supported. I don’t want to say something that then puts her in a position where it’s like she has to choose between a friendship or a relationship," Shay explained.
The Vanderpump Rules star stressed that her goal was to avoid creating additional stress for Lewber during this challenging time.
Scheana Shay’s views on domestic abuse and personal reflections
In the same podcast episode, Shay also discussed the topic of domestic abuse, reflecting on her own experiences with her husband, Brock Davies. She noted that Davies had previously faced a domestic dispute involving his ex, which was revealed during season 9 of Vanderpump Rules. Shay explained that Davies had made efforts to grow and learn from his past mistakes.
"He’s not the same person he was and he continues to work on himself...He’s made some mistakes but he’s grown. He’s learned from his past." she highlighted.
Shay also issued a broader message of support for those in abusive relationships, underscoring the importance of recognizing all forms of abuse, including emotional, psychological, and physical abuse.
"If you’re in a relationship that is abusive — whether that’s through coercive control, psychological or emotional abuse, economic, physical or s*xual abuse — I want you to try and make an exit plan today," Shay explained.
The Vanderpump Rules star further encouraged individuals to support friends who might be in abusive situations and to help them access the necessary resources.
Stay tuned for more updates as Vanderpump Rules Season 12 begins production in 2025. The premiere date and cast details will be announced soon.
