surprised by the media, etc., etc. If that's really the case then KWhitt botched that too. It's not like Vai was no longer affiliated with the media.
If I was a friend of Vai's I would always ask if he's talking to me as a media member or as a friend, at least.
That's why I'd bet that the truth is that Vai didn't blindside him at all. KWhitt responded to him as a HC; not as a friend.