Scheana Shay is addressing James Kennedy‘s arrest for the first time.
Earlier this month, the 32-year-old Vanderpump Rules alum was arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence after a witness allegedly saw James arguing and grabbing a woman at his house in Burbank, Calif.
During the Friday (December 27) episode of her Scheananigans podcast, Scheana, 39, finally addressed James‘ arrest and explained why she’s stayed “silent” for so long.
Keep reading to find out more…“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,” Scheana said.
She then said that she didn’t immediately speak out because of James‘ girlfriend Ally Lewber.
“I was respecting Ally’s privacy — as she requested,” Scheana explained. “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.”
After James‘ arrest, his ex-girlfriend Kristen Doute and ex-fiancée Rachel “Raquel” Leviss released separate statements about their own tumultuous experiences with him.
Scheana then reflected on the information she knew about James 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,” Scheana said. “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.”
Scheana went on to say that she hopes the arrest will cause James to make some changes in his life.
“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,” Scheana said. “I’ve noticed his name has been taken off of certain shows and that is a direct consequence to his actions.”
She also urged James “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.”
James recently shared his first comments following his arrest.
