Retired U.S. Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte's ex-wife, Kayla Reid, has detailed allegations of substance abuse and infidelity that she claims led to the finalization of their divorce last month. In an interview with People, Reid stated she issued an ultimatum of "rehab or divorce" after discovering what she described as substance use around their three children.
Reid, a former Playboy model, alleged that the marriage's breaking point occurred in 2024 when she found evidence of cocaine use in their daughter Liv's bedroom and observed Lochte using nitrous oxide, also known as whippets, in the garage in front of one of their children. She also stated that Lochte's drinking persisted despite outpatient rehabilitation.
By January 2025, Reid claimed she presented Lochte with an ultimatum through their therapist, requiring 30 days of inpatient treatment followed by a joint marital boot camp. According to Reid, Lochte reacted by shouting that he would not go to rehab and denied having a problem, prompting her to file for divorce.
Reid also brought up two alleged instances of infidelity during their marriage. The first occurred late in her pregnancy with their son Caiden in 2017, when she reportedly received photos of Lochte with another woman at a wedding. The second alleged incident took place in 2023, while she was pregnant with their daughter Georgia, when she found a selfie on Lochte's phone from a woman at his gym.
Lochte has reportedly "adamantly" denied using drugs in front of their children but acknowledged using drugs within his home, according to People. Reid, a realtor, filed for divorce from Lochte last March.
Reid further alleged that Lochte attempted to pressure her into signing a non-disclosure agreement and accepting $25,000 in exchange for child custody before their settlement. Reid currently holds primary custody of their three children. Lochte has since relocated from Gainesville, Florida, to Missouri, where he is coaching college swimming with his fiancée, Molly Gillihan, to whom he became engaged in June after a year of dating.
Reid mentioned that she and Gillihan were once friendly acquaintances before she became aware of their relationship. Regarding this, Gillihan told People that they were "simply acquaintances who crossed paths occasionally" and were never friends.
Recalling the period around 2020, Reid described the weight of Lochte's alleged behavior, writing in her journal that their marriage was a "ticking time bomb." She also stated that Lochte's repeated dishonesty made her question reality.
In a statement to People, Lochte responded, "Over the past several years, I’ve taken responsibility for the mistakes I’ve made and have spoken openly about some of the lowest moments in my life. Looking back, I wasn’t ready to be a husband or the man my family deserved at that point in my life." He added, "That’s on me. I’m incredibly grateful for my children, and they are the greatest gift to come from that chapter of my life." Lochte declined to engage in a public back-and-forth regarding the divorce or allegations.
Addressing Reid's NDA claim, Lochte stated that any discussion of a confidentiality agreement was not about hiding the truth or protecting his reputation, but rather about safeguarding his children's privacy from such situations. He emphasized his belief that his children's privacy should precede headlines.
Lochte had previously admitted to being unfaithful. He maintained that his relationship with Gillihan was not a factor in his marital issues. The divorce proceedings and their fallout were publicly visible and extended to social media, with Reid announcing their split via her Instagram Story last June, stating their seven-year marriage was "irretrievably broken."