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DJ James Kennedy is finally speaking out following his shocking arrest for domestic violence. In a lengthy Instagram post, the reality star known for Vanderpump Rules addressed the elephant in the room. He began the apology by saying that he wanted to stay focused on making “meaningful changes” in his life. (Those familiar with him know that he’s struggled with sobriety on the show.) He went on, adding that he wants to spend his time and energy staying sober and “being present for my loved ones.” James admitted that the aftermath of his arrest has been “challenging.” However, he’s “determined to learn, grow, and move forward with the incredible support system around me.”
What Was The VPR Star Arrested For?
In case you missed it, the Vanderpump Rules star was arrested in December 2024 for suspicion of domestic violence. According to Us Weekly, the moment occurred after attending Kathy Hilton’s annual holiday party. Officers in Burbank, California, responded to a call “regarding an argument between a man and a woman,” the report said. After further investigation, police determined it was a “domestic incident.”
James’s lawyers responded shortly after, saying they were hopeful the city wouldn’t press criminal charges against the reality star. They went on, saying that “there were no injuries;” therefore, the case should be tossed. However, more details from Burbank police revealed James “lifted [his girlfriend, Ally] up and threw her to the ground.”
Ally, who also starred in the last season of Pump Rules, broke her silence recently. In her post, she thanked the fans for reaching out “with love and support and for checking in on me.” She revealed she’d be taking space (from James or social media or both remains unclear); however, she appreciated the love and “kindness.”
Fans Respond to Kennedy’s Unsettling Arrest
Vanderpump Rules fans have been on a rollercoaster ride with DJ James Kennedy. The reality star first joined the series and immediately became the villain. Eventually, he turned his life around and gained favor among the show’s watchers. Over the last few years, the music performer has really become a fan favorite. But could that be changing? After he posted his apology online, Bravo lovers shared their thoughts.
“Hasn’t he been working on his sobriety since 2017?” someone asked. “But no apology to [Ally]?” another person asked. “James is the only one on this show who has gotten one million chances to ‘better himself,'” a third person wrote. A fourth fan admitted that “sobriety is hard;” however, “not being sober isn’t an excuse for domestic violence.”
James’ arrest isn’t the first time reality TV fans have heard about the personality being physical with his partners. In the past, Kristen Doute and Raquel Leviss shared details about their relationships with James, admitting it wasn’t always pretty. When the news about Kennedy broke, Doute posted one word online: “Finally.”
Vanderpump Rules will return to Bravo for Season 12, but it won’t be with the OGs fans know and love. According to an official press release, the network is starting from scratch with a new crop of SURvers. That means longtime lovers of James and VPR won’t see this storyline play out on TV. But stay tuned here because we’ll certainly be talking about it.