Ryan Lochte Brags About New Girlfriend in Scathing Message to Estranged Wife

Kayla Rae Reid says she's 'exhausted' dealing with her ex as they hash out their divorce.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:37pm

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An abstract close-up photograph featuring shattered glass and glittering sequins in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting, conceptually representing the fragility and glamour of celebrity relationships.The public airing of grievances in this high-profile celebrity divorce case exposes the emotional turmoil and material excess that can accompany the breakdown of a famous relationship.Today in Miami

Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte allegedly sent a scathing email to his estranged wife Kayla Rae Reid, bragging about his new girlfriend Molly Gillihan and claiming she is 'a ten times better mother' than Reid. Reid shared the email on her Instagram Stories, saying she is 'exhausted' of dealing with Lochte as they continue to navigate their divorce.

Why it matters

This high-profile celebrity divorce case highlights the challenges and tensions that can arise when public figures go through messy breakups, especially when children are involved. The public airing of private disputes and accusations raises questions about the impact on the family and the responsibility of celebrities to maintain privacy during difficult times.

The details

According to the report, Lochte allegedly wrote in the email to Reid: 'Molly is a ten times better mother then [sic] you will ever be and I think if it was bad idea we wouldn't go.' Reid responded by posting the email on her Instagram Stories, saying she is 'exhausted' of dealing with her ex. Gillihan, Lochte's new girlfriend, then took to her own Instagram to claim Reid was spreading a 'false narrative.' Reid filed for divorce from Lochte in March 2025 after seven years of marriage. A month after the filing, she hinted at 'betrayal' as news of their staggering six-figure debt made headlines.

  • In March 2025, Reid filed for divorce from Lochte after seven years of marriage.
  • A month after the divorce filing, news of the couple's six-figure debt made headlines.
  • In July 2025, Lochte went public with his new girlfriend Molly Gillihan on social media.
  • In September 2025, Lochte revealed he spent time in rehab after Reid accused him of doing drugs in front of their kids.
  • In January 2026, Lochte announced he had moved in with Gillihan and her three children.

The players

Ryan Lochte

A 41-year-old 12-time Olympic medalist who is currently going through a high-profile divorce with his estranged wife Kayla Rae Reid.

Kayla Rae Reid

The estranged wife of Ryan Lochte, with whom she shares three children. She recently filed for divorce from Lochte and has accused him of doing drugs in front of their kids.

Molly Gillihan

Ryan Lochte's new girlfriend, who he went public with on social media in 2025 and has since moved in with along with her three children.

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What they’re saying

“Molly is a ten times better mother then [sic] you will ever be and I think if it was bad idea we wouldn't go.”

— Ryan Lochte

“Every text and every DM… Every magazine. I'm sorry, I don't follow Ryan's ex on insta. I really try and just stay focused on our kids when we have them. But you (Kayla Rae Reid Lochte) or whatever name you chose…. dropped your two year old off with us covered in throw up, no pants, and rushed off as fast as you could to your girls weekend in Miami. You're a CHILD And I'm exhausted of YOUR false narrative. Your followers love it and crave it. Your lies are for them. Keep it up girl. They're putty in your hands! Meanwhile, I'll love on your kids and mine until my last breath.”

— Molly Gillihan

What’s next

The judge in the divorce case will likely need to address the allegations and disputes between Lochte, Reid, and Gillihan as they continue to navigate the legal proceedings.

The takeaway

This high-profile celebrity divorce case highlights the challenges that can arise when public figures go through messy breakups, especially when children are involved. The public airing of private disputes and accusations raises questions about the responsibility of celebrities to maintain privacy during difficult times and the impact on the family.