Vanderpump's rule Off the air but the drama continues — and this time, it's Lala Kent and her assistant Jessica Walter The dispute is at the center of rumours.

Bravo viewers were introduced to Jessica during Season 9 Vanderpump's rule When Kent enrolled Her search for a personal assistant.

"I know what it's like to be a filter because I've always been a personal assistant," Walter told Kent. Then-fiancé Randall Emmett During the December 2021 episode. “Are you having a lot of things? There I am and there you are and you can take a breath as it filters through me."

Kent eventually hired Walter and the rest was seemingly history. After Kent's split from Emmett in 2021, Walter continued to work for Kent and Even become branches His co-host on the "Dem Lala" podcast

With Kent and Walter often talking about maintaining boundaries between boss and colleague, the pair quickly became close - even going on holiday together with their families. Walter was also in the delivery room when Kent was born Second daughter Sosa In September 2024.

Two months later, Kent shocked audiences to "Give The Lala" when she announced her split from Walter. Neither Kent nor Walter offered any explanation as to what had happened, or what had caused it Vanderpump's rule devotee Guessing wildly

The move came after Kent found himself at odds with several of his costars, including Ariana Madix, Katie Maloney And Kristen Doubt Earlier that year. He is also brief There was a problem with Brittany Cartwright But the duo was able to make it work.

"I've burned a lot of bridges," Kent joked See what happens with Andy Cohen After confirming in November 2024 that he had not contacted most of her Vanderpump's rule costar

Keep scrolling as we explain why Vanderpump's rule Fans think there is ongoing tension between Kent and Walter:

key player

Kent rose to stardom after joining Vanderpump's rule In 2015. Walter, who previously worked as a digital producer American IdolBecame a prominent member of Kent's inner circle in 2021. He was a series co-host on Kent's "Give Them Lala" podcast with Kent's brother Easton Burningham and mother Lisa Burningham Starting in 2022.

Summary

During Kent and Walter's first meeting - which was documented Vanderpump's rule — They declare that they are a perfect match based on their zodiac signs. Their bond lasted three years until Kent announced at the end of a November 2024 podcast episode that he had "weeks of pain and relief". Walter had an unexpected departure.

"My pain is that my ride or die, Jessica, will no longer work for me, and she will no longer be on the podcast," Kent revealed at the time. "My relief is that he's going to spread his wings."

Kent wished Walter the best of luck in his upcoming endeavors, adding, "I love him more than anything, and I'm so excited to see what he's going to do in the future."

Easton also weighed in on the news. "He was family, but I want him to go on and be successful in whatever he wants to do in life," she noted. "And I'm excited to see her shine and do whatever she wants to do."

Walter Did not address the news Immediately, but when he did, it was uncomfortable. Shortly after the episode dropped, Walter shared an IG post and wrote, "One foot in front of the other, y'all."

Why is it a big deal?

Vanderpump's rule is fixated on the fan Current work on Kent's inner circle As he burns the bridge with several of his costars.

And Walter sparked speculation of a new feud when he "liked" a comment which read, "This was handled very badly. Not your fault but we listen to a pod with the three of you angry and no answers. No goodbyes or anything. "

Walter elaborated in an Instagram video later that month.

“Of course, if I were given the chance, I would say goodbye to you. Of course,” he said. “I want to say how much I love and appreciate just connecting with all of you. So, I will say that now. For now, on behalf of my position on the 'Their Lala' podcast, 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 are saying

Based on the response to Kent and Walter's recent social media posts — which don't acknowledge the drama — fans are confused and disgruntled.

“I'm a die-hard Lala fan but (them Lala) just ain't the same without Jess, especially when we don't know what happened,” one fan wrote, while another added, “Y'all gotta tell (address) why Jess isn't on the pod anymore! Without mentioning why your pod has lost its heart and soul.. At least your audience deserves (an) answer.. and Jess deserves a proper exit with a standing ovation."

Many speculated that Tension between Kent and Walter. Others, however, thought Walter had gotten a new job opportunity, which would have made for a quick exit. Then there were followers who questioned whether Kent chose to let Walter go because he didn't need an assistant Vanderpump's rule There is a break After season 11.

"Jess has clearly done or said something that doesn't fit the 'pod' mentality," read a comment directed at Kent. "It's clear in Jess's stories that she is deeply hurt by his quick and sharp departure because she was considered family."

Kent continues to engage the comments section by promoting his podcast and highlighting the presence of his brother and mother as co-hosts — and ignoring comments about Walker.

what are we talking about

our Waiting for Kent's speculation to be resolved and surprised that he didn't do so on WWHL as fans flooded the show's social media accounts with questions about Walter.

what next

Fans have been keeping an eye on Walter's social media since then He hinted multiple times on a potential podcast On two separate occasions of his own, Walter has shared videos of himself sitting in front of new recording equipment in an unfamiliar studio but he has yet to provide any context. Kent, for his part, continued to host "Give The Lala" without Walter.

In December 2024, Kent broke his silence about Walter's sudden departure.

"It's so wild because it's like, 'Where were you when he was on the podcast?' Nowhere to be found. All I heard was, 'Put him down.' At the end of the day, he was my employee," Kent said on the "Not Skinny But Not Fat" podcast. “He wanted to go and get on with his life. And I'd be a fool not to say, 'Go and achieve what you want to achieve.' I don't know how to break it."

Kent clarified that he has no plans to explain his departure to Walter on the "Give The Lala" podcast.

“At the end of the day, she was engaged to Lala Kent. You are no longer employed. I wish you well. A great life," he added. "I've learned a lot in many relationships in my life, from my ex-fiancé, from some of my friends, from the employees I've had. I've learned something from everything that I've experienced in the last two to three years. Learned something. I don't regret anything, but I know how to take things apart.

A month later, Walter broke his silence on his new "Date My" podcast, adding, "The first thing I'm going to say is, I didn't expect to leave at all. That wasn't the plan. If I'm going to be honest, I thought I'd be that forever. I was ready to be in the last job. Maybe not in the role I was in, but in the company I was in."

He continued: "I was investing in a future where I thought we were all on the same page. Basically, what happened was I said how I felt about the way things were being handled. felt, and the response I got was not good in my opinion, honestly, I was surprised."

Walter recalled feeling "heartbroken" by the response, 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 he put out a podcast and no I hadn't heard. I don't know how he is describing me. He and I both know how it went down and I will always have so much love for him."

He continued: "He was a huge part of my life and we became very close. But at the end of the day, he was my employee first and foremost. He felt he wasn't getting what he needed from this job anymore. I encourage someone like that. People who feel like a part of their life isn't working or they're no longer fulfilled to change. We all have that right and it seems her podcast is out and I wish her success."