Lochte's Ex Claims New Girlfriend's School Visits Are Inappropriate Amid Custody Battle
Kayla Lochte, who is separated from Ryan Lochte, has alleged that the Olympic swimmer’s current girlfriend behaved unsuitably when around their children, as Us Weekly can exclusively confirm.
On Thursday, September 25, Kayla submitted an urgent legal filing seeking temporary financial assistance for both her and their children from Ryan, 41, following her earlier request for exclusive custody of the youngsters.
Within this filing, Kayla, 34, disclosed details concerning Ryan’s new “partner.”
“At present, [Ryan] is discrediting [Kayla] in her role as the children’s mother, evidenced by several instances where he has taken his girlfriend of mere months to the minor children’s school for lunch,” Kayla’s legal counsel stated in court documents. “The girlfriend was observed pursuing [one of their children] in the school corridor, trying to embrace her and saying ‘come here, I need a hug,’ notwithstanding [the child’s] resistance.”
The attorney further commented, “[Ryan] makes no effort to stop his partner’s unsuitable conduct.”
Furthermore, Kayla’s filing stated that on Wednesday, September 24, Ryan “removed the children from school without prior agreement after sending [Kayla]” a message. She claimed to have inquired about the children’s whereabouts, “however, [Ryan] declined to respond.” This development was initially covered by The Sun.
In July, Ryan disclosed he was romantically involved with a woman named Molly. The swimmer informed the Daily Mail that there was no cheating involved with his new companion and that their relationship began after he received divorce documents.
Upon being asked by Us to comment on Kayla’s allegations, Ryan responded, “The assertions within this document are not only untrue, but also deceptive, much like previous filings made by Kayla. Molly has been acquainted with my children for more than two years, and my daughter shares a close friendship with Molly’s daughter. Referring to her as a ‘paramour’ or implying she is an unfamiliar person abruptly introduced into their lives is entirely incorrect.”
He further stated, “I have been cautious and intentional in slowly introducing my children to Molly because I see her as a secure and reliable individual. Any insinuation to the contrary is merely an effort to misrepresent the facts and damage my public image. My priority continues to be safeguarding my children and establishing a stable, affectionate setting for them.”
Molly informed Us, “A key factor that united Ryan and me was the mutual affection our children share. I have been familiar with [Ryan and Kayla’s] children for years. Specifically, my youngest daughter and his daughter are extremely close. My two girls attend the same school as his children, and all the youngsters have their lunch break simultaneously.”
She challenged Kayla’s description of her engagements with their offspring. “When I join Ryan and his children for lunch at school, my daughter also dines with us. I have never attended lunch with Ryan’s children without him being present, nor have I gone to lunch with Ryan and his children without my own daughter being there,” she stated. “Our children frequently request playdates, and we have needed to decline these requests to maintain harmony.”
She further mentioned, “Concerning any allegations of unsuitable conduct towards his children, I wish to clarify that I have never compelled his children to embrace me or engage with me. Actually, his daughter spontaneously hugged me on one occasion and gently tickled me before moving off. I pursued her to return a light-hearted tickle, which is merely a component of our jovial exchanges.”
Molly concluded, “I truly care for Ryan and his children and simply wish for these legal actions targeting his reputation, and now mine, to cease as soon as possible.”
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As initially reported by Us, Kayla submitted legal papers earlier this month requesting exclusive custody stemming from her worries regarding Ryan’s sobriety.
She alleged he used illicit substances throughout their marriage. Kayla stated she discovered vacant cocaine baggies within their residence. She further asserted she once observed him inhaling nitrous oxide in the garage while one of their children was present.
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Ryan strongly refuted these allegations when Us reached out to him.
“As I admitted earlier this week, subsequent to my car accident in 2023, I entered a period of depression that resulted in substance misuse,” Ryan informed Us. “I do not dispute having used drugs within my residence, however, I firmly deny ever consuming drugs in the presence of or near my children, and I have never transported them under the influence.”
Ryan went on to say, “Occasionally, I would unwind in my truck rather than entering the house — not due to impairment, but because the domestic setting had grown oppressive and quite unhealthy, and I required a moment to compose myself before going inside.”
“I have made every effort to keep these divorce proceedings confidential and sealed, not for my own sake, but to shield my children from untrue claims that could cause them distress,” he further stated. “Regrettably, notwithstanding that endeavor, my former spouse opted to publicize this issue, aware that I was already undergoing a focused recovery program.”
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“Everyone commits errors in life. We are characterized not by those errors, but by our capacity to learn from them and the effort we invest to conquer them. I deeply regret causing pain or disappointment to anyone throughout this process,” Ryan proceeded. “My current priority is my recuperation, striving to be the most effective father possible, and progressing in a manner that ensures my children are secure, cared for, and cherished.”
As Us earlier disclosed, Kayla initiated divorce proceedings against Ryan on March 26, following seven years of matrimony. The former couple shares three young children: Caiden, born in 2017, Liv, born in 2019, and Georgia, born in 2023.
Should you or someone you know be dealing with substance misuse, reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
