Why did VPR's Lala Kent split with assistant Jessica Walter? We explain

Vanderpump Rules is off the air, but the drama continues — and this time it's Lala Kent and her assistant Jessica Walter is at the center of hate rumours.

Bravo viewers were introduced to Jessica in Season 9 Vanderpump Rules when Kent documented in search of her personal assistant.

“I know what it's like to be a filter because I've always done it for everyone I've been a personal assistant to,” Walters told Kent. then fiance Randall Emmett During the December 2021 episode. “Do you have a lot going on? There's me and you, and you can take a breath as it filters through me.

Kent eventually hired Walter and the rest was apparently history. After Kent's divorce from Emmett in 2021, Walter continued to work for Kent and even branched out to become her host on the Give Them Lala podcast.

Related: Lala Kent's biggest feuds with her 'VPR' co-stars over the years

Lala Kent hasn't been shy about telling some of her Vanderpump Rules castmates how they really make her feel. Kent joined the cast of the Bravo series during Season 4 as a guest star. In season 6, she was added to the main cast, cementing herself as a staple of the franchise. While Kent (…)

While Kent and Walter often spoke about maintaining a boundary between boss and colleague, the duo quickly bonded — even going on vacation with their families. Walter was also in the delivery room when Kent gave birth second daughter, Sosa in September 2024.

Two months later, Kent shocked Give Them Lala listeners by announcing he was divorcing Walter. Neither Kent nor Walters offered an explanation for what led up Vanderpump Rules fans to speculate wildly.

The change also came after Kent fell out with several of his comrades, inclusive Ariana Maddix, Katie Maloney and Kristen Dout earlier that year. She also briefly had problems with Britannia Carter but the couple was able to work it out.

“I burned a lot of bridges,” Kent joked Watch what happens live with Andy Cohen In November 2024, after confirming that she was out of touch with most of them Vanderpump Rules costars.

Keep scrolling as We explain why Vanderpump Rules fans think there is ongoing tension between Kent and Walter:

The main players

Kent became a star after joining Vanderpump Rules in 2015. Walters, who previously worked as a digital producer American IdolIn 2021, she became a prominent member of Kent's inner circle. She was a regular co-host of Kent's Give Them Lala podcast with Kent's brother. Easton Burningham and mom Lisa Burningham starting from 2022.

The essence

During Kent and Walter's first documented meeting Vanderpump Rules – they announced that they are a perfect match based on their zodiac signs. Their relationship lasted three years, until Kent announced at the end of a November 2024 podcast episode that she was “a week of pain and relief.” was Walter's unexpected departure.

“It hurts me that my Ride or Die Jessica will no longer be working for me and she will no longer be on the podcast,” Kent revealed at the time. “My relief is that she will spread her wings.”

Kent wished Walter the best of luck in her future endeavours, adding: “I love her more than anything and I'm so excited to see what she does in the future.”

Easton also took note of the news. “She was family, but I want her to go and be successful in whatever she wants to do in life,” he noted. “And I'm excited to see her shine and do whatever she wants to do.”

Walter did not address the news right away, but when she did it was cozy. Shortly after the episode ended, Walters shared an IG post and wrote, “One foot in front of the other.”

Why it's a big deal

Vanderpump Rules fans are fixed on Kent Inner Circle current action as she burns bridges with several of her costars.

Andra Walter caused further controversy when she 'liked' a comment which read: 'It was handled so badly. It's not your fault, but we're listening to the rant with the three of you and we don't have an answer. No sending out or anything.

Later that month, Walters captioned the Instagram video.

“Of course I would have said goodbye to you if I had been given the chance. Of course,” she said. “I'd like to say how much I love and appreciate just hanging out with all of you. So, I'll say it now. Right now, on behalf of my position, the “Give Them Lala” podcast is goodbye. And I love each and every one of you. I hope we stay connected. That's all I'll say for now. “

What people say

Based on the response to Kent and Walter's recent social media posts not acknowledging the drama, fans are confused and frustrated.

“I'm a diehard Lala fan but (Give Them Lala) isn't the same without Jessa especially when we have no idea what happened,” one fan wrote, while another added: “You have to (address) why Jessa such.not on the potty anymore!.not mentioning why your listeners deserve a (answer) ..and jess deserves a proper exit with. to a standing ovation.”

Many mentioned that it is tension between Kent and Walter. However, others thought that Walters got a new job opportunity, which may have caused the quick departure. Followers then questioned whether Kent chose to let Walter go because she didn't need a sidekick. Vanderpump Rules is on break after 11 seasons.

“Jess clearly did or said something that did not fit the 'posh' mentality,” the comment addressed to Kent said. “Jess's stories make it clear that she was deeply hurt by her swift and acrimonious exit, given that she was considered family.”

Kent has continued to dabble in the commentary section, promoting his podcast and highlighting the presence of his brother and mom as hosts, while ignoring comments about Walker.

What we say

We waiting for Kent to address the speculation and was surprised she didn't on WWHL as fans flooded the show's social media account with questions about Walter.

What's next

Fans then follow Walter's social media she hinted several times about the potential for a podcast from herself. On two separate occasions, Walters shared videos of her sitting in front of new recording equipment in an unfamiliar studio, but she has yet to provide any context. Kent, on the other hand, has continued to host Give Them Lala without Walter.

In December 2024, Kent broke her silence on Walter's sudden passing.

“It's so wild because it's like, 'Where were you when she was on the podcast?' Nowhere to be found. All I heard was, 'Get her off.' After all, she was my employee,” the podcast “She wanted to go and get on with her life,” Kent told the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast. And I'd be like a crazy person who doesn't say, “Go and achieve whatever you want to achieve.” I don't know how to break it. “

Kent clarified that she has no plans to make Walter explain his departure on the Give Them Lala podcast.

“At the end of the day, he was hired by Lala Kent. You are no longer employed. I wish you the best. Have a great life,” she added. “I've learned a lot in many relationships in my life, from my ex-fiancé to certain friends I've had to employees I've had. I've learned something from every thing I've been through in the last two to three years. I don't regret anything, but I know how to make things different.

A month later, Walter broke her silence on her new podcast Date My, adding: “The first thing I'm going to say is no, I didn't expect to leave at all. That was not the plan. To be honest, I thought I would be in this last job forever. I was ready to be a lifer. Maybe not in the role I was in, but I will say in the company I was in.

She continued: “I'm investing in a future that I think we all agree on. Basically what happened is that I said how I felt about the way some things were being handled and the response I got to that was, I don't think, good. The responses I got honestly surprised me.

Walters recalled feeling “heartened” by the reaction, saying: “I found myself in a position where I felt I had no choice but to choose to leave.”

Kent responded to Walter's comments the same day, sharing on Amazon Live: “I didn't know she dropped the podcast and no, I haven't listened. I don't know how she describes me. She and I both know how it went and I will always have so much love for her.

She continued: “She was a big part of my life and we became very close. But after all, she was my employee first and foremost. She felt that she was no longer getting what she needed from this job. I encourage anyone who feels like a part of their life isn't working or they're no longer fulfilled to make a change. We all have that right and it looks like her podcast is out and I wish her well.