Bring out the mocktails because Vanderpump Rules star James Kennedy has celebrated two years of sobriety. James and bestie castmate Lala Kent are the two Vanderpump Rules stars that decided to say goodbye to alcohol after making regretful decisions. The newly-engaged DJ has had one of the bigger character developments in the reality series all because of this decision.
James made his debut on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills spin-off in season 3, where he briefly dated party girl Kristen Doute following her intense breakup with Tom Sandoval. The DJ had an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, resulting in altercations and arguments with castmates. His drinking even cost him his job at SUR in season 7 when Lisa had no choice but to fire him for his reckless behavior. In an infamous PRIDE parade episode in season 7, a belligerent James told castmate Katie Maloney that she shouldn't be wearing shorts and needed to "lose some f****** weight." That wasn't the first time James drunkenly harped on Katie's weight, so Katie gave boss Lisa Vanderpump an ultimatum that either James be fired or she would quit. Lisa ultimately sided with Katie and fired James.
DJ James Kennedy celebrated his two years of sobriety with an Instagram post. In the picture, James is seen holding his pup, Graham Cracker, with a black balloon in the shape of the number two in the background, symbolizing his years of sobriety. His caption reads, "IM 2 YEARS SOBER TODAY💜 thank you everyone that has supported me and my journey so far. Here’s to many more years alcohol free #forlife." The Bravo star also addressed those facing addiction by saying, "To anyone struggling trust me the light at the end is brighter than anything I could of imagined. and if I can do it you can too."
Although they haven't had the best past, Katie commented on the post saying, "Congrats James!! ❤️🔥🔥🙌🙌." Other cast members also showed support in the comments section. Scheana Shay wrote, "SO proud of you!!" James also posted an inspirational video on his Instagram story yesterday thanking his fans, friends, and family for all of their support during his sobriety journey. "I'm clear-headed and the path of life is a beautiful one that I'm headed now," James said. He also expressed that he will never drink again because alcohol was "poison" for him.
James came off as such a bad guy during his first seasons of Vanderpump Rules because of the rude remarks he made to every castmate. As a viewer, it wasn't clear every time he had been drinking, so it seemed like that was just his personality as well. After seeing the DJ completely sober, he has shown fans that he is a determined and respectable man. His sobriety truly turned his world around as his rocky relationship with castmate Raquel Leviss turned into a happy new engagement, and he mended his broken friendships with his co-stars.
Source: Instagram/James Kennedy