Ally Lewber took aim at Lisa Vanderpump for the call she made to her after her split from James Kennedy earlier this year during an interview on Tuesday.
As she also revealed what Scheana Shay, 39, told her about Lisa, 64, manipulating her, confirmed if she’s in touch with James, 33, and explained why she relates to Paige DeSorbo, 32, the 29-year-old Vanderpump Rules alum offered an update on where she stands with her former co-stars, reacted to the reboot, shared her thoughts on a potential return to reality television, and more.
Looking back at Lisa’s phone call, Ally told Decider that while she “understood” where Lisa was coming from in hoping they’d reconcile after his domestic violence arrest, she found the conversation to be “tone deaf.”
“I had so much love for James, [Lisa] has so much love for James. We all know that he’s a good person deep down. He just has a lot of demons. So, I understood where she was coming from – a place of like, ‘He needs you.’ But, like, that was just a little tone deaf,” she said on May 6.
After feeling “sad and confused” after the call, wondering if she made the right decision to end her relationship, Ally reached out to Scheana.
“She’s like, ‘No, you were just manipulated. No, that’s actually not OK at all.’ And I was like, ‘Right,'” Ally noted.
Following her move out of James’ home, Ally moved into an Airbnb and unfollowed James on social media.
“I haven’t talked to him in a while,” she confirmed. “I wish him the best. But I think it’s also best to not speak, which is hard. But it’s easier now … I unfollowed him because I don’t need to see him. Like, I’m happy you’re doing great, but we don’t have to be reminded of each other.”
Ally also had a positive reaction to James seemingly getting his DJ career back on track despite being accused of abuse by three of his ex-girlfriends, including Kristen Doute and Rachel Leviss.
“We’ve been in a little bit of contact. But at this point now, I haven’t talked to him in a while and it’s just easier that way. Every time I’ve tried to give an inch, it’s like we take a little bit more. And it’s just hard. Like, it’s not helpful for either of us,” she shared. “I think right now it’s best to just be like no contact and take the space. And I know he’s got his DJing back, which is good.”
As she reflected on their romance, Ally admitted she and James seemed to want different things. As she explained, she’s more career-focused than marriage and kids-focused. In fact, she found similarities to Paige’s split from Craig Conover, 36.
“We were DMing like, ‘We’re breakup twins,’” Ally revealed. “Just watching her career and how she’s done everything — just for women everywhere, myself included — it’s so inspiring. Like, yes, girl. Career!”
Regarding her relationships with her former Pump Rules co-stars, Ally revealed, “I’m good with everyone,” but she noted that she talks most to Scheana and Ariana Madix, 39.
Although there have been mixed feelings about the end of the original show, Ally said that season 11 felt like the final chapter.
“Everyone’s relationships were really not great. And I feel like production, the cast, no one really knew where to go. So it wasn’t completely shocking,” she explained.
Looking ahead to season 12, Ally revealed she met potential newbie Demi “a few times.”
“I do love her. She’s super sweet. I know she works there. I don’t have any confirmation, but I would imagine that she’s going to be on it,” she shared.
As for Katie Maloney, 38, shading the reboot as “cheap,” Ally agreed that Bravo should’ve started fresh with a new show.
“For everyone, right? For the original cast, like, let’s just tie a little bow on it and be like, ‘There that is.’ And then for the new cast, let’s give them the proper introduction,” she reasoned, adding that she was “going to watch out of curiosity.”
Moving on to Kristen, 42, who recently said she was proud of her, Ally said that while they “haven’t spoken,” she did get a “nice supportive message” from her and agreed they “could become friends.”
While Ally said “never say never” in terms of a reality return, she confessed to enjoying being a viewer, rather than a cast member, of The Valley.
“It’s a good show, but it kind of stresses me out. But I’m happy to be where I am at, like, watching it and not having to get the anxiety of being in it,” she explained.
Also during the interview, Ally was asked if she got podcast advice from any of her fellow Pump Rules alums.
“If anyone, Scheana’s been really helpful, and she’s always helpful with everything. I can call her if I ever have any questions,” Ally shared.
She then shared who she’d love to have on her show.
“I have a dream list,” she declared. “Dick Van Dyke because I love Mary Poppins and he’s older. Like, I think he’s, like, 98 or something. But he goes to grocery stores in Malibu, and I hear he dances down the hallways. Like, his energy is just so cute. And I feel like he’d be into it.”
“And then also Ariana Grande,” Ally added. “[And] Taylor Swift … that is the main ultimate.”
