{"id":241044,"date":"2026-05-19T07:48:43","date_gmt":"2026-05-19T07:48:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/19\/kyle-cooke-defends-photo-with-amanda-batula-at-in-the-city-premiere-says-she-didnt-want-to-attend\/"},"modified":"2026-05-19T07:48:43","modified_gmt":"2026-05-19T07:48:43","slug":"kyle-cooke-defends-photo-with-amanda-batula-at-in-the-city-premiere-says-she-didnt-want-to-attend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/19\/kyle-cooke-defends-photo-with-amanda-batula-at-in-the-city-premiere-says-she-didnt-want-to-attend\/","title":{"rendered":"Kyle Cooke Defends Photo With Amanda Batula at \u2018In the City\u2019 Premiere, Says She Didn\u2019t Want to Attend"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Kyle Cooke<\/strong><\/a> is hitting back at backlash over him posing for a photo<\/a> with estranged wife Amanda Batula<\/strong><\/a> at the New York City premiere of Bravo\u2019s In the City<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou guys, yes, Amanda and I took a picture together,\u201d Kyle, 43, said in a video<\/a> posted to his Instagram Stories early Tuesday, May 19, after the former couple hit the red carpet the night before on Monday, May 18.<\/p>\n

The Summer House<\/em><\/a> star continued, \u201cI was just happy that she showed up. She almost didn\u2019t come to a show that she participated in. Shoot me. Shoot me. But don\u2019t call my life, my relationship, my marriage, and my implosion of a marriage, fake.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith all due respect, we\u2019re all adults here and we all showed up to a premiere party,\u201d Kyle added. \u201cAnd, yes, Amanda did not want to come, and I convinced her to come and we took a photo together. Grow the f*** up.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n Related: <\/span>Messiest Bravo Breakups of All Time: Kyle Cooke, Amanda Batula and More<\/span><\/a>
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\n\t\t\tOver the years, Bravo stars from every franchise have been subject to the messiest of breakups \u2014 from Real Housewives to Southern Charm. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Enter your email Please enter a valid email. Subscribe By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Kyle and Amanda, 34, announced their separation<\/a> after four years of marriage in January.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter much reflection, we have mutually and amicably decided to part ways as a couple,\u201d the couple said in a statement at the time. \u201cWe share this with a heavy heart and kindly ask for your grace and support while we focus on our personal growth and healing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt feels ironic to ask for privacy during this time. since we\u2019ve always tried to be open and honest about our relationship, but your kindness and respect will go a long way as we try to navigate our next chapter,\u201d they added.<\/p>\n

Amanda sent shockwaves through the Bravo universe in March when she and Summer House<\/em> costar West Wilson<\/strong> announced that they were seeing one another<\/a>. West, 31, previously dated Amanda\u2019s best friend, Ciara Miller<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve seen the growing online speculation, so while this is still very new, we wanted to provide some clarity,\u201d West and Amanda wrote in a joint statement in March. \u201cIt was never our intention to purposely hide anything. Given the complicated relationship dynamics involved and the scrutiny that comes with being on a reality show, we needed a little space to process things privately before speaking on it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve shown up for each other as friends over the years, through all the highs and lows, and what\u2019s developed recently was the last thing either of us expected,\u201d they continued. \u201cOur connection grew out of a genuine, longstanding friendship, which made it especially important for us to approach this with care.\u201d<\/p>\n

West and Amanda added, \u201cAs our feelings evolved, we wanted to take time to understand exactly what we were feeling,\u201d they concluded. \u201cWe also recognize that this has had an impact beyond just us and never wanted our actions to cause any hurt or be perceived as careless. We truly appreciate the understanding and respect as we navigate this.\u201d<\/p>\n

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