Ryan Lochte’s Ex Kayla Learned a ‘Friend’ in Her Circle Was Dating Him Right After Filing for Divorce (Exclusive)

**Troubled Waters: Inside the Divorce of Ryan Lochte and Kayla Reid**

In the complex world of celebrity relationships, few stories have captured attention quite like the recent split between Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte and his estranged wife, Kayla Reid. Reid has decided to recount the emotional turmoil following the dissolution of their eight-year marriage, shedding light on her feelings about Lochte’s new fiancée, Molly Gillihan, who, Reid claims, was once part of her social circle.

Reid and Lochte, together parents to three children, officially filed for divorce in March 2025. The divorce is still a sore subject for Reid, who has expressed feelings of betrayal. In a recent interview with PEOPLE magazine, she openly shared her perspective, alleging that Gillihan, who she regarded as a friend, was involved with Lochte during the early stages of their marital breakdown.

Their dramatic fallout can be traced back to a text Reid sent to Gillihan last June. Reid’s message, which included stark insults, indicated the bitterness she felt about the situation. The short exchange soon escalated into a conversation that revealed deeper issues stemming from Lochte’s infidelities. It quickly became evident that both Reid and Gillihan view the timeline of events very differently.

In her account, Reid described Gillihan as someone she once helped with real estate advice and mothering challenges, someone she considered a friend “lightly.” Following her divorce announcement, Reid reminisced about how Gillihan had once encouraged her through tough times, only to learn later that Gillihan was dating Lochte behind her back. “It’s honestly quite sick when I think about it,” Reid stated.

Lochte, a 12-time Olympic gold medalist, has weighed in on the separation, admitting that he grappled with infidelity and substance abuse during his marriage. He maintains that no affair occurred prior to Reid’s decision to file for divorce. Both Lochte and Gillihan argue that their relationship only began after Reid and Lochte’s marital issues had become apparent. Lochte’s quick proposal to Gillihan shortly after finalising his divorce has not helped quell public speculation about the timing.

The complications deepen with Gillihan’s rebuttal of Reid’s claims. While she admits that Lochte reached out to her during his marriage, she asserts that she made it clear to him that she was not interested in pursuing any relationship. Gillihan described a situation where Reid reached out to her seeking information about Lochte’s fidelity, leading to a frustrating conversation for both women.

Each party views the relationship through a lens clouded by past experiences, and it seems clear that their prior cordiality has soured dramatically. “In hindsight, taking that phone call was the biggest mistake I could have made,” Gillihan reflects, expressing regret about involving herself in Reid’s complicated situation. She insists that her relationship with Lochte began only after they were both free from their respective ties.

Despite the painful circumstances surrounding the split, Reid is focused on moving forward. She is rebuilding her life and currently hosts a podcast titled *The Comeback Era*, discussing resilience and empowerment. “I’m excited for the future,” she stated confidently, hinting at her resolve to thrive post-divorce.

On the other side, Gillihan expresses optimism for her future with Lochte. She emphasises their commitment to one another and their shared vision of a healthy family life. “My focus has never been on the past; it’s on the life Ryan and I are building together,” she said, underscoring a desire to create a harmonious environment for their children.

As the lives of Lochte, Reid, and Gillihan continue to intertwine, one thing appears certain: both women seek closure and a path forward. The fallout from this high-profile marriage breakdown serves as a reminder of the complexities of relationships, especially in the public eye. As they each navigate their separate journeys, it remains to be seen how their paths may continue to cross in the future.