Ryan Lochte has addressed the claims that estranged wife Kayla Rae Reid allegedly had no choice but to divorce him.
“Kayla and I both wish to keep this matter private for many reasons, most importantly, to protect our children,” Lochte, 40, said in a statement to People on Wednesday, June 18. “For that reason, I also won’t be commenting on this matter, or replying to allegations made by third parties.”
That same day, the outlet reported that a source close to the pair’s family claimed that Reid, 33, was motivated to call it quits with Lochte because the Olympian allegedly “damaged so much of their marriage and he’s broken her heart so many times.”
Earlier this month, Reid announced that she and Lochte had split after seven years of marriage.
“Earlier this year, I made the hard decision to end my marriage after deep prayer and reflection,” she wrote via Instagram on June 4. “I hold marriage in the highest regard, so this has been one of the most painful, revealing and challenging seasons of my life. I’ve been hesitant to share until I could do so from a place of healing — not from fresh, open wounds.”
Reid continued: “Sometimes we face trials we didn’t choose or see coming. And in those moments, we’re forced to make the hardest decisions to protect our peace, our children and our future. I’ve come to understand that staying isn’t always the most loving decision someone can make. For me, leaving was an act of love — for those around me and myself.”
Lochte and Reid tied the knot in 2018 and share three children: Caiden, 7, Liv, 5, and Georgia, 23 months. The swimmer broke his silence shortly after Reid announced their breakup.
“Although this decision hasn’t been easy, I believe it’s the right step toward peace and well-being for us both,” he wrote via Instagram. “I remain committed to healing, growth and coparenting with care and respect as we move forward separately. Thank you to our family and friends for your continued support. It truly means a lot as we begin this new chapter.”
Us Weekly confirmed that Reid filed for divorce from Lochte, citing that the “marriage of the parties is irretrievably broken.” She listed their date of separation as March 7.
According to court documents obtained by Us, Reid petitioned the court for sole parental responsibility for the kids, but proposed shared legal custody.
Lochte filed a counter-petition and listed their date of separation as April. He asked the court to determine a parenting plan, child support and the division of their assets.
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