James Kennedy issued a statement about how he is prioritizing his mental health — and his sobriety — days after being arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence.
“I am committed to making meaningful changes in my life,” Kennedy, 32, wrote via Instagram Story on Tuesday, December 17. “I am taking time to focus on my sobriety, personal growth, and being present for my loved ones.”
Kennedy thanked his loved ones for remaining by his side, adding, “Navigating challenging moments is not easy but I am determined to learn, grow and move forward with the incredible support system around me.”
Us Weekly confirmed on Thursday, December 12, that police were dispatched to Kennedy’s home, where he lives with girlfriend Ally Lewber, on December 10. The authorities received a call about an argument between a man and a woman and saw Kennedy allegedly grabbing the woman. Officers who responded to the scene did not see any visible injuries.
According to police records obtained by People, a woman reportedly told the Burbank Police Department that “her boyfriend lifted her up and threw her to the ground.” Kennedy’s legal team subsequently released a statement on his behalf.
“We are in the process of conducting our own investigation into the allegations levied by the Burbank Police Department against James,” his attorneys said in a statement to Us after he was released on a $20,000 bail. “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.”
Lewber, 28, for her part, has largely remained out of the public eye since the arrest made headlines, with a source telling Us that the twosome were taking some space.
“Thank you to everyone who has reached out with love and support and for checking in on me,” Lewber wrote via her Instagram Story on Saturday, December 14. “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.”
Kennedy joined Vanderpump Rules in 2015 when he was a busser at Lisa Vanderpump‘s restaurant SUR. Over the years, Kennedy was often on the outs with his costars due to his relationship with alcohol.
In 2020, Kennedy celebrated one year of sobriety after multiple attempts to cut drinking out of his life.
“Letting go of drinking was the best decision I ever made and I’m going strong. I don’t miss the booze …… I don’t miss the feeling …. I’m so grateful for everything now and life has become more beautiful in many ways,” Kennedy captioned an Instagram post in July 2020. “Thank you to my rock @raquelleviss for getting me here I couldn’t of done this without you my love.♥️ and thank you all for the support this past year.”
Kennedy later admitted that he was “California sober” because marijuana helped him to no longer use alcohol. After his high-profile split from Rachel “Raquel” Leviss, Kennedy confirmed he started drinking again.
“After two and a half years of not a single drop, I decided to drink again, have a couple drinks. After Raquel left, I thought I was getting married, I was engaged, do you know what I mean? After all I did to better myself, it still clearly wasn’t enough,” Kennedy said during the season 10 premiere of Vanderpump Rules, which aired in January 2023. “And quite frankly, it was a new f—ing year. It was 2022, you know, what am I doing? I’m f—ing James Kennedy. Like, let me live.”
Kennedy cut out alcohol again after meeting Lewber. Before season 11 of Vanderpump Rules started airing in January, Lewber said in an interview with Bravo that Kennedy “changed the most” over the years, gushing, “James, he’s in therapy, he’s sober, I’m really proud of him.”
