Why did VPR’s Lala Kent break up with assistant Jessica Walter? we explain

Vanderpump Rules is off the air, but the drama continues—this time, with Lala Kent and her assistant Jessica Walter at the center of rumors of discord.
‘Bravo’ season 9 introduces viewers to Jessica Vanderpump Rules When Kent recorded her search for a personal assistant.
“I know what it’s like to be a filter because I do it all the time for people I work as personal assistants for,” Walter told Kent and his then-fiancé Randall Emmett In the December 2021 episode. “Do you have a lot going on? With me, with you, you can breathe as you breathe through me.
Kent eventually hired Walter and the rest seems to be history. After Kent split from Emmett in 2021, Walter continued to work for Kent and even became the co-host of her “Give Them Lala” podcast.
While Kent and Walter often talked about maintaining boundaries as bosses and co-workers, the two quickly became close – even going on vacations with their families. In September 2024, when Kent gave birth to his second daughter, Sousa, Walt was also in the delivery room.
Two months later, Kent shocked Give Them Lala listeners by announcing that he and Walter had parted ways. Neither Kent nor Walter offered an explanation for what happened, leading to Vanderpump Rules Fans speculated wildly.
The shift also comes after Kent found himself at odds with several of his costars, including Ariana Maddix, Katie Maloney and Kristen Doute earlier that year. She also had problems briefly Brittany Cartwright But the two eventually managed to solve the problem.
“I burned a lot of bridges,” Kent joked Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen In November 2024, after confirming that she had no contact with most people Vanderpump Rules Co-starring.
Keep scrolling to hear us explain why Vanderpump Rules Fans believe there is ongoing tension between Kent and Walter:
key person

Kent became famous after joining Vanderpump Rules 2015. american idolBecome a valued member of Kent’s Inner Circle in 2021. She has been the co-host of Kent’s “Give Them Lala” podcast along with her brother. Easton Burningham and mom Lisa Burningham Starting in 2022.
focus

Jessica Walter
Jessica Walter/Courtesy of InstagramDuring the first meeting between Kent and Walter – the transcript follows Vanderpump Rules – They claim that based on their zodiac signs, they are a perfect match. Their relationship lasted three years until Kent announced at the end of her November 2024 podcast that Walter’s unexpected departure was her “pain and relief of the week.”
“My pain is, Jessica, my ride or die is no longer working for me and she will no longer be on the podcast,” Kent revealed at the time. “I’m relieved that she’s about to spread her wings.”
Kent wished Walter well in her future endeavors, adding: “I love her more than anything and I’m excited to see what she does in the future.”
Easton also weighed in on the news. “She’s family to me, but I want her to be successful in what she wants in life,” he noted. “I’m excited to see her shine and do all the things she wants to do.”
Walter didn’t immediately respond to the news, but when she did, she appeared coy. Shortly after the episode aired, Walter shared a post on IG and wrote, “One foot in front of the other y’all.”
Why is this a big deal

Vanderpump Rules Fans are paying attention to how Kent’s inner circle is currently operating as her relationships with several of her co-stars fray.
She sparked new speculation of a feud when Walter “liked” a comment that read: “This was handled terribly. Not your fault but we listened to you three on the radio podcast, but didn’t get an answer or anything.
Walter elaborated on this in an Instagram video later that month.
“Of course, if I have the chance, I will say goodbye to you. Of course,” she said. “I want to say how much I love and appreciate being connected to all of you. Well, I’ll say that right now. Now, on behalf of me on the Give Them Lala podcast, goodbye. I love each and every one of you. I hope we stay in touch. That’s all I have to say now.
what people are saying

Jessica Walter
Jessica Walter/Courtesy of InstagramBased on responses to Kent and Walter’s recent social media posts (which don’t acknowledge the drama), fans are confused and unhappy.
“I’m a big fan of Lala, but [Give Them Lala] It just won’t be the same without Jesse, especially when we don’t know what’s going on,” one fan wrote, while another added, “You have to [address] Why is Jesse not in the pod anymore! Your podcast has lost its heart and soul without mentioning why… at least your listeners deserve [an] A… Jesse deserved a proper exit with a standing ovation.
Many speculated that there was tension between Kent and Walter. However, others believe that Walter has been offered a new job opportunity that could lead to a quick exit. Then some fans questioned whether Kent chose to let Walter go because she didn’t need an assistant. Vanderpump Rules Paused after Season 11.
“Jesse clearly did or said something that was inconsistent with the ‘group’ mentality,” one comment directed at Kent read. “It’s clear from Jess’s story that she was deeply hurt by the quick and dramatic departure, considering she was considered family.”
Kent continued to participate in the comments section, promoting her podcast and highlighting the presence of her brother and mom as co-hosts, while ignoring comments about Walker.
what are we talking about
us Waiting for Kent to address the speculation head-on, she’s surprised she didn’t do so on WWHL as fans took to the show’s social media accounts with questions about Walter.
what’s next
Fans began following Walter on social media after she hinted multiple times that she might start a podcast. Walter has shared videos of herself sitting in front of new recording equipment in an unfamiliar studio on two separate occasions, but she has yet to provide any context. Kent continued to host “Give Them Lala” without Walter.
In December 2024, Kent broke his silence on Walt’s sudden departure.
“It’s crazy because it’s like, ‘Where were you when she was on the podcast?’ It’s nowhere to be found. All I hear is ‘Put her off.’ At the end of the day, she’s my employee,” Kent said on the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast. “She wants to get on with her life. If I didn’t say, ‘Go achieve whatever you want to achieve,’ I’d be like a lunatic. I don’t know how to break that.”
Kent clarified that she doesn’t plan to have Walter explain her exit on the “Give Them a Lap” podcast.
“Ultimately, she was employed by Lara Kent. You are no longer employed. I wish you the best. I wish you a happy life,” she added. “I’ve learned a lot from the many relationships in my life, from my ex-fiancé to some of my friends to my employees. Everything I’ve experienced in the past two or three years has been I learned something. I don’t regret anything, but I know how to make things different.