Vanderpump Rules alum James Kennedy’s substance abuse issues played apart in his split from girlfriend Ally Lewber, a source exclusively tells Us Weekly.
“Ally gave James an ultimatum when he relapsed many months ago as alcohol was the problem and they worked it out,” an insider close to Kennedy, 32, and Lewber, 28, tells Us. “Everything between them was loving until the night of Kathy Hilton’s holiday party [when] she saw the old James behavior.”
Kennedy and Lewber, who started dating in 2021, jointly attended Hilton’s annual Christmas party in December 2024 where they got into an argument.
“Her friends and family told her it was time to make a decision to stay or go,” the source adds. “She chose to go. It’s unfortunate because they both brought the best out of each other and prove alcohol can mess up any strong relationship.”
Lewber confirmed on Wednesday, January 22, that she and Kennedy were no longer together. Hours earlier, they learned that Kennedy wouldn’t face charges following his arrest.
“Thank you all for your support and kindness. I am happy that prosecutors decided not to file against James, as I never desired criminal charges,” Lewber wrote via her Instagram Stories. “We had an argument outside of his home related to him drinking again, however, I was not physically hurt.”
She continued, “We are no longer together, but I’ll always support James and wish him the best with his sobriety and healing. Thank you for your understanding.”
Lewber and the British DJ had been taking space after the incident and she even moved out of their shared home.
After leaving Hilton’s party, a neighbor heard Kennedy and Lewber arguing outside their house. Los Angeles Police Department officers were later discharged to break up the alleged altercation, and Kennedy was arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence. He was released within hours after posting bail.
Following an investigation, all charges were dropped.
“I was just informed by the Burbank City Attorney’s Office that no charges will be filed against James Kennedy,” Kennedy’s attorney Scott Leemon told Us on Wednesday. “I want to thank them for conducting a thorough and professional review of the matter, involving my client.”
The statement continued, “Their diligent investigation confirmed what we have maintained from the beginning — there were no grounds for any charges to be filed against Mr. Kennedy. James is grateful to have this matter behind him and is looking forward to continuing to focus on his sobriety and his DJ career.”
Kennedy has since been candid about prioritizing his sobriety.
“I am committed to making meaningful changes in my life,” he wrote via Instagram Story last month. “I am taking time to focus on my sobriety, personal growth, and being present for my loved ones. Navigating challenging moments is not easy but I am determined to learn, grow and move forward with the incredible support system around me.”
If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
With reporting by Andrea Simpson