James Kennedy Was 'Barking Orders' at His Friend Hours Before His Domestic Violence Arrest, Says Nick Viall

Mar. 15, 2025

James Kennedy (left) and Nick Viall.Photo:Presley Ann/Getty; Emma McIntyre/Variety via Getty

James Kennedy attends the 2022 MTV Movie & TV Awards: UNSCRIPTED; Nick Viall attends Variety Women of Reality

Presley Ann/Getty; Emma McIntyre/Variety via Getty

Nick Viallis shedding new light onJames Kennedy’s behaviorthe night he was arrested.

During a Dec. 12 episode ofThe Viall Files,Viall, 44, shared an anecdote about an interaction he witnessed atKathy Hilton’s holiday partyon Tuesday, Dec. 10 that involved Kennedy and a friend he’d brought to the party.

Hours after the party ended, Kennedy, 32, was arrested at his L.A. home on a charge of misdemeanor domestic violence, police told PEOPLE. (Viall’s episode was recorded and aired before news of Kennedy’s arrest broke on Dec. 12.)

“I was like, 10 minutes earlier I met this guy who he introduced as his best friend and then 10 minutes later he was barking orders,” Viall added.

PEOPLE has reached out to Kennedy for comment.

James Kennedy at DirecTV’s Christmas at Kathy’s at the Hiltons' private residence on December 10, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

JC Olivera/Variety via Getty

The revelation about Kennedy’s behavior on Tuesday night comes after the Burbank Police Department confirmed to PEOPLE that they responded to a 911 call “regarding an argument between a man and a woman” at Kennedy’s house around 11:30 p.m. At this time, it is unclear if the woman involved was Lewber.

James Kennedy and girlfriend Ally Lewber.Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images

James Kennedy and girlfriend Ally Lewber

Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images

TMZwas first to break the news, citing law enforcement sources, and reported that a witness saw theVanderpump Rulesalum get physical with the unnamed woman, although authorities did not see any injuries when they arrived on the scene. He was released on $20,000 bail.

“He was acting so erratic, running back and forth to the bar and body-checking people along the way,” the insider said. “He appeared inebriated. Spent the evening mostly alone but when he did speak to people, he appeared irritated and rude.”

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Kennedy and Lewber have not responded to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go tothehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

source: people.com