Bravo reality TV star of 10 seasons, James Kennedy, has officially hit rock bottom. For followers of the show, you already know the DJ and TV personality has struggled with alcoholism for years. Unfortunately, this issue reached its peak when police arrested Kennedy for a domestic violence incident with then-girlfriend Ally Lewber.
In real-time, we’re seeing the repercussions play out as Kennedy loses his Las Vegas residence, DJ gigs, and faces backlash from the public.
As professionals in the art of reputation management, this disastrous scenario is one to learn from. Let’s zoom out and see where Kennedy’s PR team could have done better or, perhaps, opted out of representing the unpredictable "Vanderpump Rules" star.
Getting Ahead of a Breaking Story
In the aftermath of Kennedy’s arrest on Dec. 10, 2024, speculation from the masses arose. Chapters from the autobiography of Kristen Doute—Kennedy’s ex—resurfaced and drew additional attention to prior incidents of verbal and physical abuse. Additionally, an incident from Vanderpump Rules season nine, in which Kennedy allegedly "bumped" his ex-fiancee’s healing nose following rhinoplasty, resurfaced as well. Scrutiny has since followed, undermining any innocence James previously had to his name.
Let’s dissect this. In 2020 when Doute’s book was published, the subject of abuse at the hands of Kennedy circulated in the media. Without any concrete evidence, the allegations didn’t receive as much attention or backlash as at the present. At this time, Kennedy was sober, and in 2021 he celebrated two years of sobriety.
This would have been an ideal period for James to get ahead of his closeted abuse. Privately, Kennedy could have apologized to Doute, as well as his ex-fiancee, whom he had split from that same year. In the public eye, Kennedy should have come forward about his dark past, issuing a statement via social media about how he greatly regrets his prior behaviors as he struggled with alcoholism. Taking this a step further, his team should have encouraged him to share the work he’s been doing to resolve these internal demons.
Would Kennedy still have received some harsh scrutiny? Absolutely. However, it’s much more appreciated by the public when one steps forward from a place of self-accountability than groveling in the aftermath of being outed by the press. Ultimately, his previous discretions could have been brought forward in a respectable manner.
Issuing a Statement of Authenticity
Just seven days after the incident with Lewber and his arrest, Kennedy broke his silence and issued a public statement. Kennedy said, “I am committed to making meaningful changes in my life. I am taking time to focus on my sobriety, personal growth and being present for 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.”
While this step was a necessary factor in saving face in the public eye, it would have held more weight had James been transparent in his discretions years ago. The public gives grace to authentic people, but apologizing after being exposed isn’t a positive look. Had Kennedy been truthful ahead of time and had this incident arisen later, the likelihood of receiving forgiveness would be much higher. The general public understands the struggles of real people, so if the situation of a public figure is relatable and the apology is authentic, the public figure has a more substantial likelihood of restoring their public image.
What’s Next for James Kennedy
Fortunately for James, his time with "Vanderpump Rules" has already come to an end. Unfortunately for him, his DJ career will suffer the consequences. Most importantly, the celebrity owes Lewber a private apology. At an appropriate time, his PR team could extend an offer to Lewber in exchange for her issuing a public statement about James and offering him public forgiveness. Oftentimes, when the public sees that the victim is willing to move past the wrongdoings, so are they. As a result, Kennedy may be able to salvage some of his partnerships sooner rather than later. Lewber did seem to give him some dispensation in a recent Instagram Story.
His work is far from done, however. Kennedy should turn to professional help, a rehab stint where he can ground himself back into his sobriety and reflect on the consequences of his actions. The public can appreciate someone taking the initiative to change. This might be one of the most important factors in Kennedy redeeming his reputation.
The Lesson for Publicists
While the strategies behind these scenarios are so specific to the details of the circumstances, it’s important to note that when Kennedy began drinking again in 2023, his PR team should have run interference—or walked away. At the core of reputation management, PR professionals can only do their job if their client is willing to adhere to the strategy.
Kymberlee Bolden, MSPR is Director and Publicist at Society22.
