Lisa Vanderpump has broken her silence about James Kennedy‘s domestic violence arrest and split from Ally Lewber.
While also addressing her potential return to The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and teasing the upcoming 12th season of Vanderpump Rules, Lisa, 64, defended James, 33, against reports of violence against Ally, 29, expressed concern about James’ sobriety, and offered an update on where the ex-couple stands with one another today.
“I have spoken to James and to Ally at great length,” Lisa told Us Weekly on February 5. “[I’d never] drop the ball on somebody that I’ve supported and has had a troubled time” just because Pump Rules was recast.
“A lot of people [say] it’s none of your business anymore, they’re not on [Vanderpump Rules],” she shared. “But it is my business, because I brought him to the forefront. I’ve always cared very much.”
Describing herself as a “matriarch figure” to James, Lisa said the “most important thing” for her was to know what happened between James and Ally before he was taken into custody.
“I didn’t need to just hear from James. I needed to hear from Ally, too, from her mouth what happened. She told me categorically he didn’t hurt her. He never hurts her. They were both drinking,” Lisa revealed, adding that they were “both being ridiculous and arguing.”
“She basically said, ‘Oh yes, take him away. It’ll teach him a lesson.’ But no, he didn’t hurt her categorically. … She regrets what happened with how this blew up,” Lisa continued.
According to Lisa, she told James, “You should never have another drop in your life,” after learning that alcohol was involved.
“Was I concerned? Yes,” she confirmed.
As for James and Ally’s status, Lisa revealed they are “still in contact” after their split.
Moving on to rumors of a RHOBH return in a separate interview, Lisa confirmed she was uninterested.
“I always have said, ‘never say never.’ And that show was very good to me on so many levels,” Lisa admitted to PEOPLE. “But no, I am so busy in my life. I’ve got some new restaurants and I’ve got another big project coming up, and Vanderpump Villa has taken up a lot of my time and Vanderpump Rules, so I wouldn’t.”
Lisa is also “not close” to the current cast, except Garcelle Beauvais, 58.
“So it wouldn’t really make sense to me,” she went on. “I know [there’s] been a lot of gossip about it, and then normally I wouldn’t comment on it, but no, it’s not happening. [And] there’s a couple of them I don’t like, so I’m being honest.”
Asked if she’d spoken to former friend Paul “PK” Kemsley, 57, amid his split from Dorit Kemsley, 48, Lisa said she had not.
“But PK was always a great friend before, and I’m sorry for any marriage that has its downfall,” she explained. “I’m sorry about that. Especially when there are children. Always sorry to see that. But I have great affection for PK. But when he was married to… yeah. Okay, moving on.”
As for Pump Rules season 12, Lisa promised a “great season.”
“We’re just about to start. But it’s incredible really, because just when you think, ‘Oh, I’m never going to see somebody that’s crazier than that or more beautiful than that,’ and then suddenly they appear. It is like that in Hollywood. It’s incredible the amount of people that are just so much fun, and it’s such a vital kind of city,” she shared.