Ryan Lochte is opening up about his new relationship and is denying rumors that he cheated on estranged wife Kayla Rae Reid.

Kayla filed for divorce from Ryan back in March 2025 and the news went public in June 2025. Amid drama surrounding their split, Ryan went public with his new girlfriend just weeks after the news was revealed.

“I never wanted to get a divorce,” Ryan told People in a new interview. “We were unhappy for a very long time. … It was like beating a dead horse, it wasn’t going to help either one of us.”

“Everything happens for a reason, and it was God’s way of saying enough is enough between both of you, between me and Kayla, of just being miserable and not happy and not living our best life. So we got separated and now I’m living my best life,” he said.

“I didn’t cheat,” he added. “After she [Kayla] served me the divorce, I left, I got out the house, I got a new house.”

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Ryan says that he pursued the relationship with his new girlfriend, Molly Gillihan, after moving out.

Ryan Lochte and new girlfriend Molly Gillihan

“I was living in there by myself, I was moving on with my life tying to be happy again. I pursued her [Molly], I asked her out. She was hesitant because she was like, ‘Aren’t you still married?’ I was like, ‘No I’m not, I’m divorced, it’s over,’” Ryan said. “She gave me a shot and we hung out and to be honest, I feel I found a best friend.”

“Yes, we were both attracted to each other physically but what got me was I’ve never laughed so hard on a date than I did with her,” Ryan said. “Me and her were like crying laughing on our first date. I was like — wow, my guard went completely down instantly.”

Ryan has a message for Kayla.

“I wish her the best, I want Kayla to be so happy and live her life to the fullest — and I think she wants that for me,” he told People.