Vanderpump Rules viewers have watched James Kennedy struggle with his sobriety and in his relationships with his co-stars and friends. The beginning of Season 8 of Pump Rules was tough to watch because of the way James was treating his ride-or-die chick, Raquel Leviss.
He sent Raquel nasty text messages, calling her a “slut” and a “whore” because she nearly missed his DJ appearance at TomTom during Pride. James insisted he was sober during the gig, but that wasn’t true. Not cool, James. Not cool.
Raquel accused her boyfriend of being verbally abusive and made it clear that if he didn’t get control of his life, she was ending their relationship. According to Us Weekly, in a March interview on Watch What Happens Live, James explained why he was able to stay sober for nine months.
“I’ve really taken hold of my life and try to change it for the better and change our relationship for the better. I know I should be doing this for me, but I’m also doing it for my relationship with Raquel,” the DJ shared.
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“Because of all the drinking I was doing and stuff, I was really hiding away from my true emotions and just blaming whatever I wanted to get out the easy way,” James added. It is great that he has realized this about himself.
The self-professed White Kanye shared that he had been attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Vanderpump Rules fans also saw Lisa Vanderpump keep in close contact with James to offer him support during his sobriety journey.
RELATED: Raquel Leviss Wants Her Parents’ Approval To Get Engaged To James Kennedy
Now, James is celebrating a huge milestone in his life. On July 5, US Weekly reported that James took to Instagram to announce that it is the one-year anniversary of his sobriety! He posted a photo of himself with his pup, Graham.
“Hey everyone just wanted to let you all know I’ve made it to my one year sober today. Letting go of drinking was the best decision I ever made and I’m going strong,” James wrote. “I don’t miss the booze …… I don’t miss the feeling …. I’m so grateful for everything now and life has become more beautiful in many ways.”
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James added, “Thank you to my rock @raquelleviss for getting me here I couldn’t of done this without you my love. and thank you all for the support this past year.”
Raquel also acknowledged her man’s achievement on Instagram with a photo of the duo wearing masks. “Today James is 1 year sober! Lots to celebrate but most important is the love you show me every single day @itsjameskennedy,” she wrote.
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Some of James’ current, and former, co-stars also commented on this momentous occasion. Former co-star Brett Caprioni, who was recently fired from the show for racist tweets from his past, commented on James’ Instagram post, “Couldn’t be happier for you or more excited for your future. Onward and upward.”
Jax Taylor wrote, “Congrats brother, well deserved.” At least Jax didn’t make the post about him for a refreshing change of pace.
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“James! love you so much!” Ariana Madix said and added clapping hands emojis.
Scheana Shay also showed her support by commenting, “Sooooo proud of you!!!!!” with heart emojis.
Congratulations to James on reaching his one-year sobriety birthday!
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[Photo Credit: Charles Sykes/Bravo]
