Jessica Walter, formerly Lala Kent’s assistant, has broken her silence regarding her departure from Kent’s employ, offering her perspective on the events that led to her exit. Walter, debuting her podcast “Date My,” addressed her sudden disappearance from Kent’s “Give Them Lala” podcast, explaining that her departure was unexpected and not part of her original plan. She had envisioned a long-term future working with Kent, expressing a desire to remain within the “company,” even if not in the same role. Walter confessed to having poured significant personal and professional investment into her work, believing she was contributing to a shared vision for the future. However, she ultimately felt compelled to leave after expressing her concerns about certain unspecified internal matters and receiving what she perceived as an unfavorable response. The experience left her feeling heartbroken and ultimately led to her decision to resign.
Lala Kent responded to Walter’s podcast statements during an Amazon Live session, acknowledging she hadn’t listened to the podcast but maintaining that both she and Walter knew the true nature of their parting. Kent emphasized Walter’s initial status as an employee while acknowledging the close personal relationship they had developed. She framed Walter’s exit as a personal choice driven by a desire for greater fulfillment, supporting Walter’s right to pursue a path that better aligned with her needs. Kent reiterated her well wishes for Walter’s future endeavors, expressing support for her former assistant’s new podcast. This public exchange of perspectives followed Kent’s initial announcement of Walter’s departure on her own podcast in November 2024, which subsequently sparked speculation and fan inquiries about a potential rift between the two.
Following the initial announcement, Kent addressed the speculation on the “Not Skinny But Not Fat” podcast in December 2024, reiterating Walter’s employee status and framing the departure as Walter’s decision to move on with her life. Kent maintained that supporting Walter’s ambitions was the only reasonable course of action. She expressed some frustration with the public’s reaction, questioning their apparent lack of concern for Walter’s presence on the podcast until after her departure. Kent emphasized the lessons she’d learned from various past relationships, including those with her ex-fiancé, friends, and employees, stating that she had gained valuable insights from these experiences without harboring regrets. She firmly asserted her position on Walter’s exit, wishing her well but emphasizing the concluded nature of their professional relationship. Kent’s stance suggested a desire to move forward and apply the lessons learned from past experiences.
Jessica Walter, in her podcast debut, elaborated on her rationale for leaving, speaking to the general experience of investing heavily in a relationship only to feel a lack of reciprocation. She highlighted the importance of feeling supported, particularly when one has consistently provided support to others. Walter framed her decision as a conscious choice based on the perceived stagnation of the situation, suggesting that despite her efforts, the dynamic wouldn’t change. She presented this as a philosophical standpoint, advocating for choices rooted in self-betterment and the greater good, asserting that such decisions ultimately lead to rewards, whether immediate or delayed. This perspective suggests a deliberate choice based on her personal values and a belief in the positive consequences of principled actions.
Walter’s account underscores the emotional complexity of professional relationships, particularly when a significant personal connection is also involved. Her decision to leave, despite her initial long-term vision, suggests a tipping point where the perceived lack of support outweighed the other aspects of the working relationship. This highlights the crucial role of mutual respect and support in any professional environment, especially when personal bonds are formed. Walter’s desire to control her own narrative through her new podcast further emphasizes her need for autonomy and a platform to express her perspective.
In concluding her podcast, Walter reflected on her past work experiences, expressing gratitude despite the circumstances of her departure from Kent’s employ. She affirmed her strong work ethic and pride in her accomplishments, refusing to diminish her contributions despite the difficult ending. Walter’s concluding remarks suggest a resilient and forward-looking attitude, choosing to focus on the positive aspects of her past experiences and her commitment to hard work. This positive outlook underscores her ability to learn from challenging situations and move forward with grace and determination, using her new platform to share her perspective and connect with her audience.
