Ryan Lochte Slams Estranged Wife Kayla Reid For Calling His New Girlfriend A ‘Mistress’

Ryan Lochte clapped back at his estranged wife, Kayla Reid, after she referred to his new girlfriend as his "mistress."

Ryan Lochte is clapping back at his estranged wife, Kayla Reid (Lochte), after the former Playboy Playmate referred to his new girlfriend as his "mistress." While the Olympian admitted to being unfaithful to the mother of his children in a recent statement, Ryan insisted he did not cheat on her with his current partner, Molly Gillian.

Ryan Lochte and Kayla Reid have been at odds since the summer of 2025, when the latter announced the pair was going through a divorce. Throughout 2025 and early 2026, Ryan and Kayla have been exchanging subtle jabs with each other online, and the latest happening seems to prove their beef isn't ending any time soon.

Ryan Lochte Claps Back At His Estranged Wife In A New Statement About Their Relationship

Speaking with PEOPLE, Ryan said, "I absolutely was not unfaithful to my ex-wife, and I have no excuse but to continue to say I have grown and learned so much from my past, and I am working on myself and my character every single day."

Lochte then slammed Kayla for claiming he was building his relationship with his current girlfriend, Gillian, while they were still together. "I love Molly and the family we have so much and it breaks my heart to see Molly dragged into this because never, not one time, did Molly and I have any sort of inappropriate relationship while I was with Kayla," he said.

Ryan explained that he connected with Gillian online after he was "served" divorce papers and was living separately.

Why Did Ryan Lochte Slam His Soon-To-Be Ex-Wife, Kayla, In A New Statement?

Ryan's comments come after his estranged wife, Kayla, made headlines for discussing his current relationship with Gillian.

In an episode of her "The Comeback Era" podcast, Kayla said she was "happy" for Ryan and Gillian, claiming they'd been together for a "very long time ... for many years ... they go way back."

During that same episode, Kayla, a Florida real estate agent, also referred to Gillian as Ryan's "mistress."

Kayla And Ryan Have Been Having Marital Woes Since The Summer Of 2025

According to a previous report from The Blast, Kayla and Ryan have been facing marital woes since the beginning of 2025.

Kayla filed for divorce from the former Olympian in March; however, the news of their separation became public in the summer of that year.

"Earlier this year, I made the hard decision to end my marriage after deep prayer and reflection," Kayla shared in a post online. "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."

She 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 the understanding 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 for myself."

Ryan Is Writing A Memoir About His Life

Ryan teased to his Instagram followers that he'd be sharing more about his relationship with Kayla in his upcoming memoir, according to The Blast.

The swimmer explained that his life spiraled after he realized he was having a child with "someone I barely knew, who constantly reminded me that he would be forever disappointed in the father I had become."

Ryan shared that the state of his relationship led him to self-medicate with "alcohol, drugs, and sleep." He continued, "Every day, I woke up to be belittled and reminded of my constant failures, day in and day out, until I was eventually kicked out of our family home."

Kayla Says She And Ryan Are Not In A 'Good Place' Since Exposing Their Marital Woes

In February 2026, Kayla gave an update on where she stands with Ryan today, revealing that they are "not in a good place."

Kayla, who previously accused Ryan of using drugs around their children, stated she was praying the TV personality would become "the father our kids deserve."

She went on to say that while the pair have "minimal interaction," she wishes him well.