When “Scandoval” broke and divided the Vanderpump Rules cast last year, some were propelled into stardom while others became the most hated people on the internet – and James Kennedy sits somewhere in the middle of it all.
“I’ve seen both sides of the comments on social media,” James, 32, tells TV WEEK. “Most people are on my side, but then there are people that are totally on his side [Tom Sandoval]. I’m like, ‘Go back and rewatch the bloody show people’, because it’s embarrassing. I know 10 years from now when I’m 40 I’ll be nothing like what he’s like. I’ll be happily married in a house with my kids – not building a bloody igloo with all my employees that I call friends in my backyard.”
Vanderpump Rules originally followed the lives of young actors and models in Hollywood who worked at Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurants trying to make ends meet while partying and navigating toxic relationships between each other.
As the show enters its 11th season, now currently airing on Hayu, the show has evolved from its early days as you see the cast attain fame, fortune, have children, explore sobriety and launch businesses, going from D-List celebrities to international household names, with the show even nominated for an Emmy in 2023 – mostly thanks to the affair.
Trying to explain “Scandoval” – a play on words of Tom’s last name and scandal – can get messy due to the incestuous nature of the group, and almost requires a cork board and red string to piece it together, but in a nutshell James’ best friend Tom Sandoval, 41, was outed for having a seven-month long affair with Raquel Leviss, 29, who not only was James’ ex-fiancé, but best friends with Tom’s partner of nine years, Ariana Madix, 38.
The scandal was viewed as the ultimate betrayal and viewers were swept up in a social media frenzy where people sharpened their proverbial pitchforks and went to war – with the hashtag “Team Ariana” going viral and her scoring multiple brand endorsements in displays of support, while others boycotted Tom Sandoval’s new business venture and bar, Shwartz and Sandy’s, driving him into debt.
“Ariana’s doing amazing,” James gushes. “She’s killing it right now and everything she’s getting, she deserves. Some people are jealous, but I’m not, I’m her biggest fan.”
While James has been praised by many for his hilarious one liners, famously calling Tom a “worm with a moustache” at the season 10 reunion, others have called into question whether the cast, who are notorious for cheating scandals, are somewhat hypocritical in brandishing Tom and Raquel with scarlet letters.
This includes Tom, who this season wants empathy from James as he had dated Tom’s ex, Kristen, nearly ten years prior.
“It was infuriating when he brought that up,” James says. “To go back in history that long ago when we’ve lived so much life together as brothers since then and I’ve made my apologies was ridiculous.”
Outside of Vanderpump Rules, “the number one guy in the group” has a prominent career as a DJ and recently bought a $1.35M home in Los Angeles with his new girlfriend and “love of his life”, Ally Lewber, 28.
“Of course I see marriage in the future [for us],” James shares. “I love her more than anything. We are just enjoying each day as it comes.”
As for Tom and Raquel and if they have a shot at redemption within the group, James had a surprising answer.
“Honestly, you see me this season really try with my friendship with Tom,” he reveals. “I feel like there’s always room for a second chance, but I feel like Sandoval and I have a lot to talk about and overcome this season [before that can happen].”
Stream Vanderpump Rules now on Hayu. with a 7 day free trial. Subscribe here.
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