Scheana Shay on James Abuse Allegations, What Rachel Told Her

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Scheana Shay broke her silence on the abuse allegations surrounding ex-co-star James Kennedy. She addressed his past relationship with Rachel Leviss, and if she believes that footage of James allegedly hitting ex Kristen Doute in a past season was removed from Vanderpump Rules.

Earlier this month, reports surfaced that James was arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence after Kathy Hilton’s holiday party. He allegedly picked up a woman and threw her to the ground, according to a report. Meanwhile, his girlfriend Ally Lewber moved out of their shared home.

On the December 27 episode of her Scheananigans podcast, Scheana addressed why she hasn’t spoken out about the allegations despite fan backlash.

“First off, I want to say I was respecting Ally’s privacy, as she requested,” said Scheana. “And I didn’t want to add to any headlines because she’s going through enough right now … but I now see how that’s coming off by staying silent.”

“I have spoken to Ally,” she continued. “I check in with her often. I always have. But I know it seems like if I stay silent y’all somehow think I support his behavior, which I absolutely do not.”

She then discussed her past friendship with James’ ex-fiancée Rachel.

“While [Rachel] always told me that James was never physically abusive, as we all know abuse isn’t limited to just physical, and ultimately, it led to her exiting that relationship,” she said. “And I had a lot of empathy for her, which is why [my husband] Brock helped move her out and move her in with us at the time … I wanted to do anything I could to help and give her a safe space.”

When it comes to James, Scheans stated, “I’ve noticed his name has been taken off of certain shows and that is a direct consequence to his actions. And, you know, he needs to get help, 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 do hope James views this as a rock-bottom moment,” she added, “and is serious about — [rather] than just committing to — a healing plan, verses just seeing this as something that, you know, is gonna like ruin the world tour or residency or whatever … He needs to get help.”

She said she’s been “hesitant” to speak publicly because she doesn’t “always get it right” while trying to “navigate” a “sensitive and serious subject matter,” regardless of her intentions.

At one point, Scheana was asked if footage of James allegedly hitting Kristen was removed.

“I was busy getting married [at the time] so I don’t have first-hand knowledge of that scene, you know I wasn’t there for it,” she explained. “But obviously I do believe Kristen. I don’t know what happened between the two of them that night other than what we saw [on TV], but of course I believe her.”