Scheana Shay broke her silence on James Kennedy‘s domestic violence arrest — and explained why she initially stayed silent.
During the Friday, December 27, episode of her “Scheananigans” podcast, Shay, 39, revealed that the “majority of questions coming in” were about Kennedy’s legal issues.
“I did write out what I wanted to say because I want to try and be just as eloquent as possible. I want to get what I want to say out without stumbling over my words,” she explained before reading every question she received about Kennedy.
Shay clarified that she didn’t immediately speak out because of Kennedy’s girlfriend, Ally Lewber.
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“I was respecting Ally’s privacy — as she requested,” she noted. “So I wasn’t going to say anything on the podcast, but I now see how that’s coming off by staying silent. So I have spoken to Ally. I check in with her often. I always have. But I know it seems like if I stay silent, you all somehow think I support his behavior, which I absolutely do not.”
Us Weekly confirmed on December 12 that police were dispatched to Kennedy’s home on December 10 after receiving a phone call about an argument between a man and a woman. The authorities saw Kennedy, 32, allegedly grabbing the woman, however officers at the scene did not see any visible injuries.
Shortly after news of the arrest broke, Kennedy’s ex-girlfriend Kristen Doute and former fiancée Rachel “Raquel” Leviss released separate statements about their individual tumultuous experiences with him. (Kennedy released a statement after he was released on a $20,000 bail but didn’t address Doute, 41, or Leviss’ comments.)
Shay, meanwhile, reflected on the information she knew about Kennedy from his past relationships.
“Obviously, I was very close with Raquel for years. And while she always told me that James was never physically abusive,” she said on Friday. “As we all know, abuse isn’t limited to just physical. And ultimately it led to her exiting that relationship. I had a lot of empathy for her … I wanted to do anything I could to help and give her a safe space.”
After Kennedy’s arrest made headlines, Shay hoped it caused a personal shift for him.
“I do hope that James views this as a rock bottom moment and is serious about just committing to a healing plan vs. just seeing this is something that’s gonna, like, ruin the world tour or residency or whatever,” she added. “I’ve noticed his name has been taken off of certain shows and that is a direct consequence to his actions.”
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Shay urged Kennedy “to get help,” noting, “And not just to prevent Ally — or some other girl — from being subjected to abusive behavior in the future. But to give himself a chance to live life with healthy relationships. I know he wants those things for himself and he needs to give himself the proper tools to deal with his trauma that doesn’t involve projecting it on to others.”
Kennedy’s statement after his arrest acknowledged plans to focus on his mental health.
“I am committed to making meaningful changes in my life. I am taking time to focus on my sobriety, personal growth, and being present for my loved ones,” he wrote via Instagram on December 17. “Navigating challenging moments is not easy but I am determined to learn, grow and move forward with the incredible support system around me.”
His legal team also addressed the arrest, telling Us, “We are in the process of conducting our own investigation into the allegations levied by the Burbank Police Department against James. 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 earlier this month 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 at the time. “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.”
Elsewhere in her podcast episode, Shay made it clear that she wanted to “keep the line of communication and support open” for Lewber.
“I want her to know that she is supported. I don’t want to say something that then puts her in a position where it’s like she has to choose between a friendship or a relationship. I just don’t want there to be one less mechanism of support for her,” she continued. “That’s just only going to make things harder.”
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Shay also addressed her husband, Brock Davies‘ past domestic dispute. (Davies, 34, revealed on season 9 of Vanderpump Rules that an incident between him and his ex led to a tumultuous coparenting relationship when it came to his eldest kids.)
“I know most of you watched season 9 and it was revealed that my husband had made some bad choices in his early 20s. Thankfully, he’s not the same person he was and he continues to work on himself,” Shay, who shares 3-year-old daughter Summer with Davies, explained. “If he was the same person, I wouldn’t have married him. He’s an incredible partner and father. He’s made some mistakes but he’s grown. He’s learned from his past. I thought James had too. Hopefully now he finally will.”
Shay ended the segment by issuing a message of support to anyone in an abusive relationship.
“If you’re in a relationship that is abusive — whether that’s through coercive control, psychological or emotional abuse, economic, physical or sexual abuse — I want you to try and make an exit plan today,” she said. “If you have a friend who you worry might be in one, just make sure they know that they are supported. Help educate them on what types of abuse there are. There are so many different types and what that looks like. Help them access mental health services in your area, and make sure to re-enforce that they are worthy of respect and love.”
She continued: “They deserve to be treated with respect. And I’m going to add some links in this episode description for additional resources in navigating domestic abuse because I do think it’s important to speak on this.”
The reality star admitted she was “hesitant” to speak out.
“I feel like if I say something, I get s— for it. If I don’t say something, I get s— for it. But this is a serious subject,” Shay concluded. “So I needed to say something and I hope I conveyed that properly. ”
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.
