James Kennedy’s recent misdemeanor domestic violence arrest was based on “a complete misunderstanding,” a source exclusively tells Us Weekly.
“They were arguing and a neighbor was outside and heard them fighting and called the police and the police officers came,” a source close to the situation tells Us, referring to Kennedy, 32, and his girlfriend, Ally Lewber. The insider also claims that Lewber does not plan to move forward with charges.
Us confirmed on Thursday, December 12, that Kennedy was arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence following an alleged altercation with an unknown woman earlier this week. He was released on a $20,000 bond.
“We are in the process of conducting our own investigation into the allegations levied by the Burbank Police Department against James,” Kennedy’s attorneys said in a Friday, December 13, statement. “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.”
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Kennedy and Lewber, 28, have been together since 2022. Several hours ahead of Kennedy’s arrest, the pair stepped out at the DIRECTV “Christmas at Kathy’s” holiday party in Los Angeles.
An eyewitness exclusively told Us that the Vanderpump Rules star appeared to be “in great spirits” during one portion of the party.
“[James] and Ally were cuddling together and taking photos,” the source told Us. “He seemed like he was in a good headspace and was dancing, singing and having fun.”
A second insider, however, claimed that Kennedy was “running” through the party, “causing a scene.”
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“His guy friend was chasing him from Kathy’s basement all the way throughout Kathy’s backyard, and James looked mad while running away,” the second source alleged to Us. “The guy who was chasing him almost fell into the pool and dropped a lantern in the pool causing a huge scene. Everyone was wondering what was going on.”
Nick Viall, for his part, appeared to corroborate the account, claiming on his eponymous podcast that he witnessed Kennedy “barking orders” at his friend during the party. (Kennedy has not reacted to the claims. Us reached out for comment.)
“I was, like, [shocked] and his friend just grabbed the drink and James kept walking. I was like, ‘That was insane,’” Viall, 44, alleged. “Ten minutes earlier, I met this guy who he introduced as his best friend and then, 10 minutes later, he’s barking orders,” Viall said on Thursday’s episode. “It was awesome. I really felt like I saw something precious, and I was the only one who saw it. Everyone else was in their own lane.”
Lewber has not publicly addressed the incident. Us has reached out for comment.
If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
