James Kennedy, a star from “Vanderpump Rules,” was arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence on Tuesday night in Burbank, California. According to police reports, officers responded to a call regarding an argument at a residence involving a man and a woman, later confirming that the incident was deemed domestic in nature, leading to Kennedy’s arrest. He has since posted bail set at $20,000, with formal charges pending review by the Burbank City Attorney’s office.
Kennedy, whose full name is James Kennedy Georgiou, was attending a party that evening hosted by Kathy Hilton alongside his girlfriend, Ally Lewber. Known for his vibrant personality on the reality show, Kennedy’s past has been marked by intoxicating highs and emotional lows, including public struggles with substance use and his tumultuous relationship with former co-star Rachel Leviss. This relationship famously unraveled during the ninth season of “Vanderpump Rules,” which also saw Leviss embroiled in a cheating scandal later dubbed the “Scandoval.”
Leviss is currently pursuing a lawsuit against fellow cast members Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix, accusing them of wrongdoing, and her attorneys have expressed concern about Kennedy’s history of erratic behavior, citing that both NBC and Evolution, the production company behind “Vanderpump Rules,” were aware of his conduct and allegedly attempted to shield him from the consequences.
Additionally, past allegations have emerged from Kristen Doute, another former cast member, who described a verbally abusive relationship with Kennedy in her book, mentioning incidents of physical aggression. Recently, Doute made headlines by commenting on Kennedy’s arrest, implying that such behavior was long anticipated.
Despite the controversies surrounding him, Kennedy’s romantic partner Lewber took to social media to clarify that their disagreements have not escalated to physical violence, emphasizing her well-being and happiness in their relationship.
In light of recent events, it’s essential to note that Kennedy is no longer associated with Bravo, following a significant cast shake-up for “Vanderpump Rules” announced last month. The network is gearing up for a reboot of the series in its 12th season, with production expected to commence next year, featuring a new cast primarily drawn from the staff at Vanderpump’s restaurants.
Overall, this incident highlights the complexities of reality television, where personal issues can spill into public view, often complicating both the lives of those involved and the narrative of their shows. With a new season on the horizon, this might also provide a fresh start that aims to address and overcome past challenges.