Is James Kennedy Still Sober? A Deep Dive Into The Vanderpump Rules Star's Sobriety Journey

James Kennedy, the outspoken DJ and reality TV personality from Bravo's hit show Vanderpump Rules, has long been open about his struggles with alcohol addiction. His journey toward sobriety has been a public and often tumultuous one, marked by significant milestones, disheartening setbacks, and renewed commitments. For fans who have followed his story from the early days of the show, the question "Is James Kennedy still sober?" remains a constant point of concern, especially given recent headlines.

From explosive arguments fueled by alcohol to heartfelt pledges to turn his life around, James's relationship with sobriety has been a central theme of his narrative. Let's unpack the complex timeline of his journey, examining the periods of clarity, the moments of relapse, and his latest efforts to maintain a sober lifestyle.

Early Struggles and the "California Sober" Phase

When James Kennedy first burst onto the Vanderpump Rules scene, his volatile personality and heavy drinking often put him at odds with his castmates and led to numerous on-screen confrontations. His struggles with alcohol addiction were evident, prompting concerns from friends, family, and viewers alike.

A significant turning point in his initial sobriety journey came when his then-fiancée, Raquel Leviss, reportedly gave him an ultimatum regarding his drinking. This push proved to be a powerful motivator, leading James to embark on a path toward sobriety. At one point, he proudly announced reaching a milestone of two years sober, a testament to his dedication and hard work. During this period, he even joked about being "California sober," a term he explained meant he abstained from alcohol but still consumed certain substances, like marijuana, in moderation. His former co-star, Lala Kent, who is also sober, often served as a confidante and fellow traveler on this path, providing a supportive presence.

For a considerable time, James seemed to be thriving in his sobriety. He shared with fans that he "hasn't been overserved in nearly two years" and was able to enjoy social events, such as E!'s Overserved With Lisa Vanderpump, without alcohol. This period of sustained sobriety offered hope that James had finally conquered his demons.

Milestones, Relapses, and Public Scrutiny

Despite his significant progress, James's sobriety journey has not been a straight line. The pressures of reality television, combined with personal upheavals, have tested his resolve on multiple occasions.

One notable setback occurred after his high-profile split from Rachel "Raquel" Leviss. In a candid moment during a February 2023 episode of Vanderpump Rules, Kennedy confirmed that he had started drinking again. He expressed a nuanced perspective on the experience, stating, "I learned a lot from not drinking..." This admission came as a disappointment to many fans who had celebrated his earlier sobriety milestones.

Eyewitness accounts further corroborated his return to drinking. An exclusive report from In Touch described James as "belligerent" and drinking again after his two years of sobriety, with a witness stating, "He was super drunk." These instances highlighted the fragility of sobriety, especially for someone in the public eye, where every move is scrutinized.

Fans, who had watched him battle addiction for years, voiced their concerns that the ongoing drama surrounding him might cause him to "fall back into his old drinking" habits. This period of relapse was a stark reminder that sobriety is an ongoing commitment, often challenged by life's unexpected turns.

The Recent Arrest and a Renewed Commitment

The most recent chapter in James Kennedy's sobriety journey began with a concerning incident. Last month, TMZ reported that Burbank police took Kennedy into custody on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic violence following a heated dispute at his Burbank home. He was subsequently released from jail on $20,000 bail, though it's important to note that he was not ultimately charged for the incident.

In the wake of his arrest, James issued a public statement, emphasizing his commitment to prioritizing his mental health and, crucially, his sobriety. He shared an update with his followers, revealing that he was "committed to making major life changes." This period marked a renewed push towards sobriety, with James celebrating 48 days of being sober just a month after the shocking arrest.

This commitment appears to be genuine, with reports indicating that he is actively "working on his sobriety and being a better person after his arrest." While fans expressed sadness over the circumstances that led to the arrest, there's also a sense of hope that this incident might serve as another catalyst for lasting change. It's a challenging path, especially considering past warnings from ex-girlfriends about his behavior.

Scandoval's Unexpected Influence

Interestingly, a significant and unexpected factor contributing to James Kennedy's renewed sobriety has been the "Scandoval" affair, the highly publicized cheating scandal involving Tom Sandoval, Ariana Madix, and Raquel Leviss.

During the February 20, 2024, episode of Vanderpump Rules, James opened up to Lala Kent about his newfound sobriety, explicitly stating that his decision to cut out alcohol was "due to #Scandoval." This revelation sheds light on the complex interplay of personal relationships and public events in his life. While the exact reasons behind this connection are deeply personal, it suggests that the fallout from Scandoval, which deeply affected his social circle and public image, may have provided a powerful impetus for him to re-evaluate his choices and commit to sobriety once again. This aligns with his current reported 48 days of sobriety, suggesting a fresh start prompted by these recent events.

An Ongoing Journey and Fan Support

James Kennedy's journey with sobriety is a powerful reminder that addiction is a lifelong battle, especially for individuals navigating the complexities of public life. His story is not one of a linear progression but rather a series of attempts, triumphs, and unfortunate relapses, each contributing to his ongoing growth.

From his initial commitment fueled by an ultimatum from Raquel, to his "California sober" phase, through the difficult period of relapse following their split, and now to his renewed dedication in the wake of a personal crisis and the "Scandoval" drama, James has consistently shown a willingness to confront his issues, even if imperfectly. His relationship with Ally Lewber, which began after his engagement to Leviss ended, also occurred during a period when he was still sober, indicating his ability to maintain healthy relationships while committed to his sobriety.

The continuous public scrutiny and the nature of reality television mean that James's struggles and successes are played out for millions to see. While this can add immense pressure, it also allows for a broad base of support from fans who genuinely wish to see him succeed. His commitment to prioritizing his mental health alongside his sobriety signals a more holistic approach to his well-being.

Summary

In summary, James Kennedy's sobriety journey has been a long and winding road, marked by periods of sustained abstinence, significant relapses, and renewed commitments. After achieving two years of sobriety, he relapsed following his split from Raquel Leviss in early 2023. However, a recent arrest for alleged domestic violence (for which he was not charged) appears to have served as a catalyst for a renewed dedication to sobriety. He has since shared that he is 48 days sober and is actively prioritizing his mental health. Furthermore, he has revealed that the "Scandoval" events also played a role in his decision to cut out alcohol again. While his past demonstrates the challenges of maintaining sobriety, his current efforts indicate a strong commitment to staying sober and improving his life.