AceShowbiz - Scheana Shay, a familiar face from "Vanderpump Rules," addresses the recent controversy surrounding co-star James Kennedy's domestic violence arrest and why she initially stayed silent.

During a recent episode of her podcast "Scheananigans," Shay, 39, explained her reasons for not immediately commenting on the arrest of her former co-star, 32, which occurred on December 10 following an altercation with his girlfriend, Ally Lewber.

"I was respecting Ally's privacy - as she requested," Shay stated, adding that she didn't want to create additional stress for Lewber.

Shay clarified that staying silent might have led fans to believe she supported Kennedy's alleged behavior, which she "absolutely" does not. She emphasized the importance of addressing serious issues like domestic violence openly, even though it's a challenging topic. "I feel like if I say something, I get s*** for it. If I don't say something, I get s*** for it. But this is a serious subject," she added.

Despite her initial hesitation, Shay made it clear that her support for Lewber was unwavering. "I want to keep the line of communication and support open to Ally," she said. "I don't want to say something that then puts her in a position where it's like she has to choose between a friendship or a relationship." She also mentioned frequently checking in with Lewber to ensure she feels supported.

Addressing Kennedy's behavior, Shay expressed hope that his arrest serves as a wake-up call. "I do hope that James views this as a rock bottom moment and is serious about just committing to a healing plan," she commented. Shay urged Kennedy to seek help not only for the sake of potential future partners but also for his own well-being.

Following his release on $20,000 bail, Kennedy announced via Instagram that he is focusing on his sobriety and personal growth. "I am committed to making meaningful changes in my life," he wrote, emphasizing his determination to "learn, grow, and move forward."

Shay also spoke on behalf of individuals in any form of abusive relationship, encouraging them to seek support and make an exit plan if safe to do so. "If you have a friend who you worry might be in one, just make sure they know that they are supported," she advised, sharing useful resources for those experiencing domestic violence. Shay's initiative highlights the importance of discussing and addressing such issues in a sensitive and informed manner.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for confidential support.