VPR's Scheana Shay Speaks Out After James Kennedy’s Domestic Violence Arrest
Scheana Shay just wants Ally Lewber to feel good as gold amid her relationship drama with James Kennedy.
The Vanderpump Rules star broke her silence on James' Dec. 10 domestic violence arrest and revealed why she waited several weeks to finally speak out publicly on the DJ's run-in with the law.
"First off, I wanna say I was respecting Ally's privacy, as she requested, and I didn't want to add to any headlines, because she's going through enough right now," the "Good as Gold" singer told fans during the Dec. 27 episode of her Scheananigans podcast. "So, I wasn't going to say anything on the podcast, but I now see how that's coming off staying silent."
Scheana confirmed she has spoken to Ally since James was taken into custody following a fight with a unnamed woman at a Burbank residence earlier this month.
"I check in with her often, I always have," the 39-year-old continued. "But I know if I stay silent, ya'll somehow think that I support his behavior, which I absolutely do not."
Scheana went on to reflect on James' breakup with ex Rachel "Raquel" Leviss and how she and husband Brock Davies supported their former costar during the 2021 split.
"I was very close to Raquel for years, and while she always told me James was never physically abusive, as we all know abusive isn't limited to just physical and ultimately it led to her exiting that relationship," the Bravolebrity recounted. "I had a lot of empathy for her, which is why Brock helped move her out and move her in with us at the time. I wanted to do anything I could to help and give her a safe space."
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Looking to the future, Scheana shared her hopes for James to work on improving himself in the wake of his arrest.
"I do hope James views this as a rock bottom moment and is serious about committing to a healing plan versus just seeing this as something that's going to ruin the world tour or residency or whatever," she said. "He needs to get help, and not just to prevent Ally or some other girl to 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 onto others.
In the end, Scheana stated of Ally, "I want her to know that she is supported."
As for James, he spoke out on the matter with a message about self-betterment one week after the incident.
"I am committed to making meaningful changes in my life," the 32-year-old wrote on his Instagram Story Dec. 17. "I am taking time to focus on my sobriety, personal growth, and being present for 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."
And as for Ally, she acknowledged all the support she's received from fans during this difficult time.
"Thank you to everyone who has reached out with love and support and for checking in on me," she wrote on her Instagram Stories Dec. 14. "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."
Keep reading to look back at some of the biggest scandals to rock the VPR cast.
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