Kyle Cooke Has More to Say: That Explosive “Summer House” Reunion, Facing His Flaws and What Comes Next After West and Amanda (Exclusive)

In a candid interview on June 2, Kyle Cooke, a prominent figure from Bravo’s hit series *Summer House*, opened up about the tumultuous end of his marriage to Amanda Batula, the recent revelation of her relationship with fellow cast member West Wilson, and how he plans to move forward from the upheaval.

Having been a part of *Summer House* since its inception in 2017, Cooke and Batula’s relationship was a focal point for viewers, characterised by their journey through various challenges, including Cooke’s admitted infidelity in 2018 and their wedding, which was featured on the show in 2021. However, the couple’s split was officially announced on January 19, after four years of marriage — a development that stunned many fans. The subsequent news of Batula dating Wilson, another castmate, broke on March 31, adding a twist to an already dramatic situation.

Reflecting on the past few months, Cooke expressed disbelief at how the relationship evolved. “Sometimes it doesn’t feel real until I see them together,” he told *PEOPLE*, highlighting the shock of the situation and his feelings of betrayal. He considered Wilson a close friend, describing the new relationship as equivalent to “banging his sister.” The closeness of their cast and the unexpected turn of events have left Cooke grappling with his emotions.

Communication between Cooke and Batula has been strained since the split, yet they have faced each other during filming for the new spinoff, *In the City*, in addition to the dramatic three-part reunion that aired shortly after. Cooke noted that while they encountered one another on camera, he remains puzzled about Batula’s motivations for her actions.

Despite suspicions and whispers regarding Batula and Wilson’s romantic connection, Cooke admitted that he was largely unaware of the relationship’s development until just before it became public. He recalled the moment he discovered Batula’s location settings on her phone, realising she had spent the night at Wilson’s apartment. The weeks leading up to the announcement were filled with uncertainty, as Cooke attempted to piece together the clues surrounding their relationship.

The timeline of their separation reveals that Batula had initially intended to move out, but it took weeks for her to finally leave their shared home. During this time, Cooke attempted to repair their marriage through couples therapy and regular dates, though he ultimately observed a lack of effort from both sides. Cooke recounted a significant incident where Batula chose to back out of a New Year’s Eve event, an action that severed their already fragile connection further.

Post-split, Cooke noted that security and communication remained paramount, as they still share two rescue dogs. While expressing a desire for an amicable relationship, Cooke lamented Batula’s portrayals of their past together, feeling she focused solely on the negative aspects, disregarding the joyful moments they experienced.

During the reunion, Batula accused Cooke of infidelity, a claim he resolutely denied, stressing that while he may have engaged in inappropriate behaviour, it was not to the extent of forming a physical affair. He acknowledged his outgoing nature may have contributed to her perceptions, but he maintained a commitment to honesty about the end of their relationship.

In the wake of Batula’s new romance, Cooke found himself not only processing his emotions but also experiencing a surge in support from fans. He admitted his previous behaviours on the show had made him feel misunderstood, and his journey towards self-awareness continues as he navigates this new chapter in his life.

Amidst the changes, Cooke remains focused on his entrepreneurial pursuits, particularly revitalising his beverage company, Loverboy, which faced financial challenges in the previous year. He noted that since the news of Batula’s new relationship, sales of his products have notably increased, providing a silver lining during a tumultuous time.

As he explores what the future holds, Cooke mentioned he isn’t actively seeking a new romantic relationship but remains open to love. He reflected on the lessons learned from his marriage, recognising the importance of compatibility in living arrangements before committing to a future partner.

Looking ahead, Cooke disclosed plans for a “walkaway” divorce, initiated by Batula’s legal team in the spring, a process he seems prepared to navigate with a sense of practicality. Although he harbours no desire to shut Wilson out of his life completely, he acknowledged a need for personal closure and progression.

With *Summer House* set to return for an 11th season, Cooke expressed readiness to engage with the show once more, regardless of the evolving dynamics within the cast. In his own words, “Have I forgiven [West]? No. I’m just not the kind of guy that wants to close someone out of my life, particularly if they played a big part in it.”

For a deeper insight into Kyle Cooke’s experience and reflections, viewers can tune into the full interview on the *PEOPLE* app.