Reactions are spilling over following James Kennedy's arrest for misdemeanor domestic violence, with former fiancée Rachel Leviss speaking out against the narrative framing the incident as merely a misunderstanding. The 32-year-old DJ, known for his role on Vanderpump Rules, was arrested on December 10 after police responded to reports of a domestic dispute at his Los Angeles home.
Leviss, who dated Kennedy for five years and was engaged to him until December 2021, took to Instagram on December 13 to voice her discontent, sharing a screenshot of a TMZ headline stating, "James Kennedy DV [domestic violence] Arrest Was a Misunderstanding!!!! Gf Ally Standing By DJ." Over the post, she remarked, "The amount of times I convinced myself the abuse I endured by James Kennedy Georgiou was a ‘misunderstanding’ is sickening." This statement resonates deeply, reflecting on her troubling history with Kennedy.
The altercation, which reportedly involved Kennedy and his current girlfriend, Ally Lewber, prompted police involvement after neighbors heard the heated argument. Upon investigation, authorities determined the situation was domestic, leading to Kennedy's arrest. He was booked for misdemeanor domestic violence but posted bail of $20,000 shortly thereafter.
Leviss' attorneys, Mark Geragos and Bryan Freedman, issued statements following the incident, expressing concern yet again over Kennedy’s long-documented history of violence and erratic behavior. "We are aware of James Kennedy’s recent arrest for domestic violence. This news is, unfortunately, not surprising," they stated. They elaborated, claiming, "Rachel’s [revenge porn] lawsuit describes, in significant detail, Mr. Kennedy’s long history of erratic, violent behavior and substance abuse." Their comments echo Leviss’ previous accusations against Kennedy, including claims of violent outbursts and emotional abuse during their time together.
The evening prior to Kennedy's arrest, he and Lewber attended Kathy Hilton’s Christmas party, where onlookers reported mixed signals about his behavior. While one eyewitness described him as "in great spirits, cuddling with Ally, and taking photos," another recounted chaotic moments, alleging Kennedy was "running through the party, causing a scene." Nick Viall, also present at the party, remarked on witnessing Kennedy “barking orders” at friends, raising eyebrows about what might have unfolded off-camera.
Leviss’ Instagram post also pointed followers to her podcast episode titled Bad At Love, which dives deep discussing relationships marred by abuse. "If you listen … this is the PDF sent to me by my therapist I was referencing," she wrote, sharing pages detailing various forms of abuse. This candid recollection serves not just as her reflection but as encouragement for others to recognize and address abusive situations.
Reports surrounding the incident suggest differing accounts from those involved. Sources close to the couple indicated the altercation was blown out of proportion, asserting Lewber does not plan to pursue criminal charges against Kennedy. Still, the concern from Leviss' camp highlights the broader question of awareness within the Vanderpump Rules fandom and the production company behind it.
Leviss, now entangled in legal proceedings involving issues of revenge porn with her ex Tom Sandoval, has emphasized the need for accountability among organizations aware of dangerous behavior. Her lawsuit alleges, "Kennedy was prone to violent outbursts and grappling with substance abuse issues," framing his actions as not only troubling but systematic. Particularly telling is her assertion about how producers and networks like Bravo and Evolution have remained complicit: "They, too, bear responsibility," Geragos remarked, implying they have partially enabled abusive behavior by failing to address such issues head-on.
Despite Kennedy's release and the hope from his legal team for minimal repercussions, the intensity of Leviss' statements and her willingness to publicly share her past experiences sheds light on the serious nature of this incident. The ramifications extend far beyond celebrity culture; they tap deep roots of dysfunction often masked under the guise of entertainment.
Support services remain available for those impacted by domestic violence. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is accessible at 1-800-799-7233, providing confidential assistance for victims.