Vanderpump Rules vet Scheana Shay breaks silence on James Kennedy's domestic violence arrest

Scheana Shay has broken her silence on former Vanderpump Rules co-star James Kennedy's recent domestic violence arrest.

On the latest episode of her Scheananigans podcast, the 39-year-old host addressed the 32-year-old DJ's run-in with the law and explained what took her so long to respond.

She said to listener's on Friday's episode: 'I did write out what I wanted to say because I want to try and be just as eloquent as possible. I want to get what I want to say out without stumbling over my words.'

Kennedy's arrest came amid an argument with live-in girlfriend Ally Lewber, whose privacy Shay said she wanted to protect.

'I was respecting Ally’s privacy — as she requested,' Scheana explained.  

'So I wasn’t going to say anything on the podcast, but I now see how that’s coming off by staying silent. So I have spoken to Ally. I check in with her often. I always have. But I know it seems like if I stay silent, you all somehow think I support his behavior, which I absolutely do not,' she clarified.

Police were called to Kennedy’s home on December 10, hours after he attended Kathy Hilton and DIRECTV's Christmas At Kathy's 2024 event.

Law enforcement received a call about an argument between a man and a woman, and allegedly a witness saw James grabbing the woman, though no visible injuries were found. 

While Scheana kept quiet initially, Kennedy’s exes Kristen Doute and Rachel 'Raquel' Leviss both released separate statements about their respective ups and downs with him. 

The reality television personality was released on $20,000 and later posted a statement of his own to social media.

Scheana said on Friday: 'Obviously, I was very close with Raquel for years. And while she always told me that James was never physically abusive, as we all know, abuse isn’t limited to just physical. 

'And ultimately it led to her exiting that relationship. I had a lot of empathy for her… I wanted to do anything I could to help and give her a safe space.'

She continued, 'I do hope that James views this as a rock bottom moment and is serious about just committing to a healing plan versus just seeing this as something that’s gonna, like, "ruin the world tour" or residency or whatever.'

The mother-of-one, who shares two-year-old daughter Summer with husband Brock Davies, noted, 'I’ve noticed his name has been taken off of certain shows and that is a direct consequence [of] his actions.'

Days after his arrest, James took to social media to share a somber message with followers.

'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,' he vowed.

The 'Bravo-lebrity' continued, 'Navigating challening moments is not easy, but I am determined to learn, grow, and move forward with the incredible support system around me.'

Meanwhile, his lawyer stated they would be looking into the domestic violence complaint.

'We are in the process of conducting our own investigation into the allegations levied by the Burbank Police Department against James,' attorneys for Kennedy told DailyMail.com. '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.'

Kennedy has been dating Lewber since 2022, following the end of his engagement to Leviss.

Shay encouraged Kennedy 'to get help' on her newest podcast release.

She stressed, 'And not just to prevent Ally — or some other girl — from being subjected to abusive behavior in the future, but to give himself a chance to live life with healthy relationships.

'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.'

Speaking toward Ally, she shared, '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. 

'I just don’t want there to be one less mechanism of support for her. That’s just only going to make things harder.'

Lewber previously made a statement via Instagram Stories that read, 'Thank you to everyone who has reached out with love and support and for checking in on me.

'I’m OK and taking the time I need right now. I deeply appreciate all the kindness and respect for my privacy during this time.'