So, everyone thought James Kennedy and Ally Lewber were the "endgame" of Vanderpump Rules. After the chaotic explosion of Scandoval and the wreckage of James’ engagement to Rachel Leviss, Ally seemed like the steadying force he actually needed. She was the "cool girl" who didn't scream, the astrologer who could read his chart and his moods, and the person who finally got him to settle down in a quiet Burbank home with a goldendoodle named Hippie.
But if you’ve been following the news lately, that picture-perfect image has completely shattered.
It turns out that James Kennedy and Ally Lewber are no longer together. While Bravo fans were busy waiting for a Season 12 that would never come in its original form, the couple’s real-life drama took a dark turn. It wasn't just a "growing apart" situation or a standard reality TV breakup. It was a messy, public, and legally complicated ending that changed how everyone views the "Number One Guy in the Group."
The Night Everything Changed in Burbank
Relationships in the Bravo-verse usually end over a cheating scandal or a hot-mic moment. This was different. In December 2024, police were called to the home James and Ally shared. The details that eventually leaked were jarring. According to police reports and subsequent statements, an argument broke out after a Christmas party hosted by Kathy Hilton.
James was arrested on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge on December 10, 2024.
He was released on $20,000 bail, but the damage was done. For weeks, fans speculated about who the "unidentified woman" in the report was, though deep down, everyone knew. Ally eventually confirmed the split in January 2025. She didn't hold back, either. She revealed that the core of the issue wasn't just one night of fighting—it was the fact that James had allegedly started drinking again behind her back.
Basically, the sobriety that everyone (including Ally) had praised him for was a facade.
Why Ally Lewber Finally Walked Away
Honestly, Ally was always a bit of an enigma on the show. She was younger, calmer, and seemed to have a life outside of the SUR back alley. In interviews since the breakup, she’s been incredibly candid about why she stayed as long as she did and why she finally left.
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- The "Nervous System" Realization: Ally mentioned in a 2025 interview with People that she didn't realize how much she was "walking on eggshells" until she moved out. She described her nervous system finally feeling "normal" again once she was away from the constant monitoring of James’ moods.
- The Family History: In a heartbreaking revelation on her podcast, StarStruck, Ally shared that her father struggled with alcoholism, which ultimately led to his passing. She realized in therapy that she was essentially "dating her father" by trying to save James from his own addiction.
- The Public Eye: Here is the kicker: Ally admitted she probably would have stayed longer if the arrest hadn't been public. The fact that the world knew made her "face the facts" in a way she couldn't ignore.
It’s a sobering reminder that what we see on Instagram—tropical vacations and DJ sets—rarely reflects the actual health of a relationship.
James Kennedy and Ally Lewber: A Timeline of the Fall
To understand how we got here, you have to look at how fast they started. They met in January 2022 at a Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras concert. Yes, the irony is thick there. James had only been single for six weeks after his five-year relationship with Rachel Leviss ended at the Season 9 reunion.
- January 2022: Meet at a concert.
- March 2022: Go Instagram official with a trip to Tulum.
- June 2023: Move in together into a $1.35 million house in Burbank.
- December 2024: The arrest and the immediate fallout.
- January 2025: Ally officially announces the split on Instagram Stories.
James has mostly stayed quiet about the specifics of the legal side. While prosecutors eventually decided not to file formal charges—a move Ally said she supported because she didn't want him in jail—the relationship was beyond repair.
Where Are They Now?
As of 2026, both have moved on in very different directions. James is doubling down on his music. Despite the controversy, his DJ career hasn't totally tanked. He’s got a residency in Las Vegas and a massive partnership with Monster Energy (specifically their Rehab line, which is... a choice). He’s still touring, with dates lined up throughout 2026 in cities like Denver and Boston. He still has Hippie, the dog formerly known as Graham, though fans still argue over whether that was the right move for the pup.
Ally, on the other hand, has leaned into her own brand. Her podcast StarStruck is actually doing really well. She reads birth charts for celebrities and talks about "cosmic compatibility," which is a pretty smart pivot.
She’s also not single anymore.
By mid-2025, reports surfaced that Ally was dating someone new. He’s not a reality star; he’s reportedly a guy based in New York. They’ve been doing the long-distance thing, and honestly, she looks way more relaxed. It seems like the "astrology girl" finally found a chart that didn't involve a volatile DJ.
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What This Means for Vanderpump Rules Fans
The breakup of James Kennedy and Ally Lewber was the final nail in the coffin for the "old guard" of the show. With the original cast basically disbanded and the show undergoing a total reboot, this relationship served as the bridge between the Scandoval era and whatever comes next.
If you're looking for lessons here, there are a few:
- Trust your gut early: Ally had concerns about James’ behavior in Season 11, but the "rebound" energy kept them together for two years.
- Public accountability matters: Sometimes, the "shame" of a public incident is the only thing that gives a person the strength to leave a toxic situation.
- Sobriety is a journey, not a destination: James’ struggle highlights how difficult it is to maintain a "sober" brand in the nightlife industry while filming a reality show.
If you’re still following James, keep an eye on his 2026 tour dates, but don't expect a romantic reunion anytime soon. Ally has made it very clear that she is focused on her "new beginning," and that beginning doesn't include a DJ booth in West Hollywood.
For those wanting to dive deeper into the fallout, checking out Ally’s recent podcast episodes where she discusses "relationship red flags through astrology" is a great place to start. It gives a lot of context to what she was feeling during those final months in Burbank. Stay updated on James' residency via his official social channels, but keep your expectations for a "changed man" realistic. History, as they say, tends to repeat itself—especially in the stars.