Ryan Lochte Addresses Backlash About Estranged Wife, Selling Medals

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Ryan Lochte is setting the record straight.

The swimmer explained why he’s selling three of his six Olympic gold medals, and also addressed recent statements he made about his soon-to-be ex-wife, Kayla Reid Lochte, whom he split from in June after seven years of marriage.

He explained in an Instagram post on December 18th that he wasn’t driven by winning gold medals. His real focus was always on achieving his best as a swimmer, and the medals were simply a bonus to an amazing career.

The 41-year-old swimmer believes his 90 career medals prove he’s surpassed all other swimmers in terms of achievement.

What I value most isn’t the recognition, but what I’ve been able to do for others,” he explained. “I’ve shared my medals with fans, especially young people, because this isn’t just about my accomplishments. It’s about motivating the next generation and supporting their ambitions. The memories we’ve made, the effort we’ve put in, and the connection with all of you mean everything to me.”

Ryan addressed the criticism he’s faced since hinting at difficulties in his relationship with Kayla – with whom he has three children, Caiden (8), Liv (6), and Georgia (2) – after announcing his plans to write a revealing book in early December.

He shared on Instagram on December 9th that he was repeatedly criticized and made to feel like a failure, ultimately leading to him being asked to leave his family home.

The next day, Ryan said he would auction off his medals. Then, on December 11th, Kayla shared a video from their 2018 wedding, showing Ryan saying his vows, with a caption that read, “Sharing a special reminder.”

Following recent attention, the former star of Traitors explained in a statement on December 18th that dealing with personal difficulties publicly is very difficult, and he wanted to explain his previous social media post.

The next day, Ryan said he would auction off his medals. Then, on December 11th, Kayla shared a video from their 2018 wedding, showing Ryan saying his vows, with a caption that read, “Sharing a special reminder.”

Following recent attention, the former star of Traitors released a statement on December 18th explaining that dealing with personal issues publicly is difficult, and he wanted to explain his previous social media post.

Ryan acknowledged that his recent comments caused a strong negative reaction, but he explained that he didn’t mean to cause any harm – he simply wanted to be honest about how he felt. He also mentioned there are private family matters he’s keeping confidential to protect his children.

He acknowledged that Kayla posted their wedding vows online, likely to show how real their relationship once was. While he understands why she did that, he still feels they didn’t truly know each other – and he admits he didn’t fully understand himself back then. He is grateful for their three children and the love they shared during that period.

Ryan shared how therapy has been instrumental in his personal growth and his efforts to improve himself for the sake of those he cares about.

He expressed sincere regret for hurting the people he cares about, especially the mother of his children. He admitted he wasn’t a good husband and is dedicated to personal growth and improvement every day.

The University of Florida graduate finished his remarks by saying he wouldn’t talk about his relationship with Kayla.

He asked for patience and kindness as he dealt with a difficult situation, and expressed his gratitude for everyone’s support.

Ryan and Kayla aren’t the only celebrities who’ve broken up this year. Here’s a look at other star couples who split in 2025…

The comedian announced her split from her husband of seven years with a playful jab at typical celebrity breakup announcements. In an Instagram post on December 12th, she wrote, “Blah blah blah Chris and I have made the difficult decision to end our marriage.”

Amy, who shares her son Gene with her partner, said they care for each other deeply and are committed to raising their son. They have asked for privacy during this time.

I was so shocked to hear that Charli D’Amelio and her boyfriend of two years, NFL player Chase Hudson, have broken up! It’s been less than two weeks since she was the runner-up on Dancing With the Stars, and now this news has come out. Several sources are reporting they’ve called it quits, and honestly, it’s really sad to hear.

The Love Is Blind couple broke up one year after welcoming their daughter Vienna.

On December 3rd, Alexa announced on Instagram that she and her husband have decided to divorce. She explained that it was a very difficult decision, made with a lot of thought, care, and respect for each other and the years they spent together.

We started our relationship with a lot of love and hope, and we’re ending it with thankfulness for everything we’ve learned and how we’ve both grown as people.

The former star of The Real Housewives of Atlanta announced in November that she and her husband, a TV producer, are divorcing after 11 years of marriage. She told People magazine that she made the difficult decision “after deep thought and a lot of prayer.”

The duo share children Ace and Blaze.

After seven years of marriage, the star of Shahs of Sunset filed for divorce from her husband in October, stating they had differences that couldn’t be resolved.

She is requesting sole legal and physical custody of her and Tommy’s son Shams.

The Culpo Sisters star and her boyfriend, an entertainment lawyer, broke up after dating for two years, according to several news sources in early October.

The Full House alum and the fashion designer announced their split Oct. 2 after 27 years of marriage.

Lori and her husband are currently separated and taking some time apart, according to her representative, Elizabeth Much. As of now, they haven’t filed for divorce or started any legal proceedings, Much told People magazine.

The Academy Award-winning actor filed for divorce from the singer on September 30th, ending their 20-year marriage. The divorce papers stated the date they separated as the official filing date.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m hearing some surprising details about this recent split. Apparently, the decision to separate wasn’t mutual. Sources tell me Nicole didn’t want a breakup, and they’ve actually been living separate lives since early summer. It seems like a really difficult situation, and it’s sad when one person isn’t on the same page.

Benny Drama, a popular internet personality, announced that he and Terrence have ended their nine-year relationship.

In an October episode of his podcast, Ride, Benito explained that he and his partner shared a deep love and respect for each other, and they maintained that loving and respectful dynamic throughout their relationship.

Tim Burton, the director of Edward Scissorhands, and Monica Bellucci, the actress known for Malena, announced their split on September 19th. The couple had first appeared together publicly as a pair at the premiere of Diabolik Chi Sei? during the 2023 Rome Film Festival.

Monica Bellucci and Tim Burton have announced their separation, expressing mutual respect and care for each other, according to a joint statement released to AFP on September 19th.

Shailene Woodley and Lucien Laviscount publicly began dating in April 2025, but news emerged in September that they had broken up.

The Outer Banks actor and the “Dibs” singer called it quits after nearly three years of dating.

The Emily in Paris costars split after nearly two years of dating. 

People began speculating about a romance between them in October 2023, but Ashley and Paul didn’t officially confirm they were together until January 2024. She publicly thanked Paul for supporting her during a health issue, which revealed their relationship.

I’m absolutely devastated! I just found out Akon’s wife filed for divorce! Can you believe it? It happened in September 2025, and it’s even worse because it was three days before their 29th wedding anniversary! I read all about it on Billboard, and I’m just… heartbroken for them both. It feels like a personal loss, honestly.

After five years and an engagement, Vampire Diaries star Nina Dobrev and Olympic snowboarder Shaun White have ended their relationship, according to People magazine on September 11th.

The couple, who met on season three of the reality show Farmer Wants a Wife, have split up after almost a year together.

Sansone announced on Instagram, in a post that has since been deleted, that she and Claire ended their relationship just after the Lollapalooza music festival, more than a week ago. She explained it was a joint decision due to personal difficulties.

I’ll always cherish the time we spent together, but I think it’s best if we go our separate ways now,” the St. Louis native said. “Even though our relationship was public, I’d like to keep this breakup private, if possible.

In July 2025, a friend of Meghan Markle announced her separation from her husband after 16 years of marriage, according to several news sources.

The announcement followed speculation sparked by photos Jessica shared without her wedding ring, and happened four years after her friendship with Meghan appeared to fall apart.

Cat Deeley, the host of So You Think You Can Dance, and her husband, Patrick Kielty, have announced they are separating after 12 years of marriage. They released a statement together confirming the news.

They announced to the BBC on July 29th that they have decided to separate and end their marriage, and confirmed that no one else was involved.

The announcement also confirmed that Deeley and Kielty will continue to co-parent their two sons, Milo and James, with love and care.

The star of Little People, Big World shared that he and his ex-fiancée, who he started dating after his divorce from Amy Roloff, ended their engagement in July.

He announced on Instagram that he and Caryn had ended their engagement. He explained that they both agreed it was the right decision for them, and a natural part of life’s journey.

The Today cohost revealed in July that she and her husband of 12 years had decided to separate.

I’ve been sharing both the good and bad times with you all for a long time, along with all the wonderful moments and memories we’ve made,” Dylan wrote in her Instagram post.

She shared that Brian and she had decided to separate a few months ago. They started as friends and will continue to be close, and they’ll always co-parent their three sons with love and respect.

The actress’ husband of six years filed for divorce on July 7, TopMob News confirmed. 

Aaron’s divorce papers stated that he and his spouse separated due to irreconcilable differences, with the date of separation listed as July 4th.

Aaron is also asking the court to award him spousal support in the divorce.

The musical couple ended their nine-month engagement after about two years of being together, saying they made the difficult decision after a lot of thought and consideration.

Chyna, whose real name is Angela White, shared in a social media post on July 3rd that she and her partner deeply care for each other and remain friends. However, they both feel it’s God’s will for them to go their separate ways and pursue their individual paths.

After almost six years of marriage, the couple decided to separate in July. A representative shared with TopMob News that they are ending their marriage but will remain friends, with continued love and respect for one another.

Nats and influencer Giselle Loren Lazzarato, who married in 2019, are getting divorced, citing irreconcilable differences in court documents.

As a big fan of Love is Blind, I was really sad to hear that one of the couples had split up. She told TopMob News on June 29th that they decided to go their separate ways because they just wanted different things out of life and had very different lifestyles. It’s always tough to hear, but she seemed to explain it pretty clearly.

Chelsea wished her ex well, explaining that they had different priorities. She wanted a stable, long-term future, while he preferred to live in the moment, and eventually they realized they weren’t compatible anymore.

Just eight months ago, the reality TV star – who got engaged to her former partner Jimmy Presnell on the show but didn’t get married – publicly revealed her new relationship with Tim, simply posting a photo with the caption “Me & T.”

I’m absolutely devastated! Can you believe it? She and her husband – they were together for eighteen years and have two beautiful kids! – announced back in June that they’ve decided to split up. It said they both agreed, but honestly, it just feels…wrong. I’ve followed her career forever, and they always seemed so perfect together. It’s like a little piece of my heart broke when I read the news.

The couple explained in a joint statement that they were sharing their decision publicly to prevent rumors and misinterpretations, as they are parents of two children and wanted to be direct about it.

After nine years as a couple, singer Katy Perry and actor Orlando Bloom ended their engagement, news outlets reported on June 26th. The pair share a daughter named Daisy Dove.

Rumors of a breakup started when Katy and Orlando reportedly began spending more time apart, especially after Katy started her Lifetimes tour without him. The speculation increased when Orlando was seen attending the wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez alone in Italy.

Taylor Kinney, star of the TV show Chicago Fire, filed for divorce from his wife of 14 years on June 23rd, stating they had differences that couldn’t be resolved. However, a source close to the couple told TopMob News that neither party is seeking or refusing financial support or arguing about their children.

“They used mediators, not lawyers,” the insider added, “as they are friends and this is amicable.”

Only seven months after getting married, the Australian influencer revealed she and her husband, who first appeared on Love Island Australia, were divorcing.

Tammy announced on TikTok on June 21st that she is divorcing. She explained that while people get married expecting a lifelong commitment, she takes full responsibility for what happened.

The couple from Season 29 of The Bachelor announced their breakup on Instagram on June 13th, just three months after the show’s finale aired.

Grant announced on Instagram that he and his partner had decided to separate. He explained they both tried their best and cared deeply for each other, but ultimately realized they weren’t compatible for a future together, adding that their relationship was still significant and meaningful.

 

Lydia Gonzalez, who starred on the reality show Love Is Blind, revealed on the June 11th episode of the What’s the Reality? podcast that she has filed for divorce from her husband, Milton Johnson, after almost three years of marriage.

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2025-12-19 16:51