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Credit: APEX/MEGA, Instagram

James Kennedy is under fire and apologizing after sharing a since-deleted photo of himself with the controversial Tate Brothers, Andrew Tate and Tristan Tate, on Instagram.

In a second post shared to his IG Story, the 33-year-old Vanderpump Rules alum insisted he was unfamiliar with the Tate Brothers and the sexual assault and human trafficking charges that have been made against them, as he was slammed as “disgusting.” 

“EW James Kennedy posted this photo with [Andrew Tate] and [his] brother … EW. BIRDS OF A FEATHER,” Bye Wig Hello Drama on Instagram wrote in the caption of a screenshot of the image. “D I S G U S T I N G.”

Then, after commenters suggested that the photo was “on brand” and “not surprising,” James, who was arrested for domestic violence against his now-ex-girlfriend, Ally Lewber, 29, in December 2024, returned to his social media page with a statement.

“I regret posting a photo with the Tate brothers at an event last night. I was unfamiliar with their content and the allegations against them. I only knew them as podcasters that had posted a viral clip about Vanderpump. I have since educated myself and condemn their beliefs. I am sorry to all that I offended,” he wrote.

But not many were impressed. In fact, several pointed to the physical assault claims James’ ex-girlfriend, Kristen Doute, 42, made against him.

“Is everyone finally ready to believe Kristen Doute about this guy?” one person wondered.

“I was rooting for you James,” another wrote.

“Byeeeee J*mes,” declared a third.

A fourth admitted that they weren’t surprised, but they said they were “disappointed.”

“Kristen may make terrible choices but that doesn’t make her a liar. If a woman is willing to accuse a man on national television without ever being charged with slander why are people unwilling to believe her?” they asked.

Others shaded James’ apology, wondering, “How many hollow apologies does he think people will accept?”

“BS … if so unfamiliar then why post the pic?” someone else asked as another person suggested the statement was written by James’ PR agent.

Also on Instagram, Ariana Madix, 39, seemingly reacted to James’ messy photo with the Tate Brothers by unfollowing him, as confirmed by a screenshot shared by Bravo Buds on Instagram.

Vanderpump Rules is expected to return to Bravo for a 12th season later this year with an all-new cast.