Kristen Doute is opening up about her past relationship with James Kennedy.
The Vanderpump Rules alum spoke about Kennedy, 32, on a Saturday, December 21, episode of her “Balancing Act” podcast, which she co-hosts with fiance Luke Broderick.
“So I want to talk about something very briefly, it’s going to start with a very unpopular opinion,” Doute began. “I’m sure a lot of you have been keeping up with the James Kennedy news that I’ve been fairly quiet about.”
Doute noted that her heart was “beating so fast as I’m talking about it,” saying she doesn’t speak to Rachel “Raquel” Leviss “at all,” but she has “read some things that she has been speaking out about” with regards to Kennedy. Doute added that she has resonated “very much with some of the things Rachel has recently said.”
Doute was an original Vanderpump Rules cast member and began dating Kennedy in 2014 before the pair split in September 2015. Doute has since moved on and is expecting her first child with Broderick.
“I know I said very little at this point about the James situation,” Doute said on her podcast, adding that it was “for good reason.” She noted that it was “triggering” for her, adding, “I have battled with speaking out to help with my healing, and also needing a break to maintain my peace in this pregnancy.”
Doute added that she “has some things to say,” and will address them soon, saying, “For now, I want to say: James Kennedy, domestic abuse is not a ‘challenging moment,’ and for Ally: I hope you have all the support that you deserve.”
This isn’t Doute’s first statement following Kennedy’s arrest. On Thursday, December 12, she posted an article about Kennedy’s arrest via her Instagram story, writing, “Finally” in the caption.
On Tuesday, December 10, Burbank police were dispatched to Kennedy’s home which he shares with girlfriend Ally Lewber.
According to police records obtained by People, an anonymous woman said that “her boyfriend lifted her up and threw her to the ground.” Kennedy was arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence.
“I am committed to making meaningful changes in my life,” Kennedy wrote via Instagram Story on Tuesday, December 17, after his arrest. “I am taking time to focus on my sobriety, personal growth, and being present for my loved ones.” He also said that “navigating challenging moments is not easy but I am determined to learn, grow and move forward with the incredible support system around me.”
In a statement to Us Weekly, Kennedy’s attorney’s said they were “in the process of conducting our own investigation into the allegations levied by the Burbank Police Department against James,” adding, “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.”
