Ally Lewber Claims Lisa Vanderpump Tried to Convince Her to Forgive James Kennedy Following His Domestic Violence Arrest

Ally Lewber called it quits with her Vanderpump Rules star boyfriend James Kennedy shortly after his December arrest for domestic violence; however, Ally revealed this week that ‘Vanderpump Rules’ matriarch (and longtime James apologist) Lisa Vanderpump reached out to her months after the incident, encouraging her to forgive James.

On the latest episode of The Viall Files podcast, Ally spoke to host Nick Viall about her relationship with (and ultimate split from) James, during which she was asked to weigh in on the statement Lisa eventually made regarding James’ arrest. While Nick– who previously called out Lisa for initially choosing not to speak out about the incident– noted that Lisa’s statement seemed to suggest that Ally had blown the December altercation “out of proportion,” Ally went on to reveal that Lisa actually contacted her a month or two after James was arrested in an effort to convince her to stay with him.

As The Ashley previously told you, cops were called to James’ home in December for a reported domestic disturbance. On the scene, Ally– who was living with James at the time– told police, according to the police report, that her “boyfriend lifted her up and threw her to the ground.” James was arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence, but did not face any charges. He has since publicly vowed to prioritize his sobriety.

Ally moved out of James’ house following the incident, but the astrologist told Nick that Lisa pressured her to get back with James.

“ … She was basically like, ‘Ally, like, he needs you … you’re really good together,’” Ally recalled. 

As The Ashley told you in February, Lisa claimed in an interview with Us Weekly that James “didn’t hurt [Ally] categorically,” and insisted that Ally “regrets what happened with how this blew up.”

The restauranteur also told the outlet that the situation between the now-former couple occurred because they were “both being ridiculous and arguing” and that Ally only had James arrested to “teach him a lesson.” 

After confirming to Nick that Lisa “was trying to convince [her] to stay with [James]” when she reached out via phone, Ally noted that during the call, Lisa pointed out that both Ally and James were drinking on the night of the incident. Lisa even suggested that Ally accompany James to an upcoming DJ gig he had scheduled. 

“I’m like, first of all, what shows? He’s canceled right now,” Ally said, referring to the multiple gigs James lost as a result of his arrest. “And also, no. I just moved into an apartment … we’re not together.” 

Ally revealed that while speaking to Lisa on the phone, she felt “weak in the moment,” and began to question if she made the wrong decision by ending her relationship. While she doesn’t know if James asked Lisa to make the call on his behalf, Ally said that after talking to “a bunch of friends” about the phone call, most assured her that Lisa– who is a producer on ‘Vanderpump Rules’– was likely “trying to, quite literally, produce” and get her and James back together. 

Ally also shared on the podcast that Lisa’s relationship with James always felt “very motherly” to her, which she admits that she found “really weird” when she first joined the cast of the Bravo series. 

“ … She’s very protective over James,” Ally said. “I get it, because I was, too, for a long time … .” 

Kristen Doute and Rachel Leviss– two of James’ exes and former ‘Vanderpump Rules’ co-stars– have previously spoken out about the violence they claim to have suffered at James’ hand during their respective relationships with the DJ. The two also reacted to the news of James’ arrest back in December, with Kristen posting a screenshot a TMZ’s headline about the arrest accompanied by the word “FINALLY” and Rachel issuing a statement through her attorneys, calling the news “unfortunately not surprising.” 

When asked this week if her own experience with James has made her believe the accusations made by Kristen and Rachel, Ally was unable to provide a definitive answer. 

“ … It’s so hard, because James has been in my ear– not now, but for our relationship, obviously– and I’ve heard a lot from the rest of the cast,” she said. “Mutually, that was just a very toxic relationship on both parties, so I don’t really want to say anything, but I will say that– and I have to say this, but also, it’s true– I will always believe women.” 

Ally said that, while she feels “kind of guilty” for presumably doubting Kristen and Rachel’s claims in the past, she isn’t going to “take on” that guilt. 

“ … Sometimes, I think you have to just really figure it out for yourself,” she said. “I don’t have any regrets. And James, at the end of the day, he is a great person. He has great, great qualities and he’s wounded.”