A Surprising Public Encounter
Former couple Kyle Cooke and Amanda Batula recently sparked a wave of social media speculation after they were spotted in high spirits together. The pair, who officially announced their separation in January, were seen leaving a New York City studio on Thursday, June 11, following the filming of the In the City reunion.
In images captured by the paparazzi, the two appeared to be sharing a lighthearted moment. One photograph shows the exes laughing heartily, with Amanda playfully interacting with Kyle. Another shot features Kyle with his arm positioned around Amanda's back as they continued to joke with one another.
Social Media Backlash
The images quickly drew sharp criticism from viewers of their reality shows. Fans expressed significant frustration, with many questioning the authenticity of the interaction. Some social media users speculated that the display was merely performative for promotional purposes, while others voiced deeper concerns regarding the pair's history.
«I can tell that it’s staged but there isn’t enough promo in the world that would make me excuse this,» one observer noted on X. Others suggested that Kyle’s protective behavior toward his ex-wife felt manipulative, with critics calling the dynamic «off» and «infuriating.»
Context Within the Reality TV Universe
This public sighting follows the conclusion of the Summer House reunion, where tensions reached a boiling point. The cast spent much of the multi-part reunion addressing the controversial romance between Amanda and their co-star, West Wilson. The revelation that the two had begun a relationship behind the backs of their fellow cast members caused significant friction, particularly regarding West’s previous ties to other members of the group.
During the confrontation, Kyle expressed his hurt regarding West’s actions, noting that he viewed the romance as a betrayal of their friendship, especially given the timing of his and Amanda’s divorce. While Kyle admitted that his marriage to Amanda was difficult, he criticized West for pursuing her during a vulnerable time.
Despite the backlash, both Amanda and West have stated their intention to continue their relationship, while West expressed a cautious hope that some of the fractured friendships within the cast might eventually be repaired.