Ryan Lochte has moved in with girlfriend Molly Gillihan, he tells News Of Los Angeles exclusively, four months after estranged wife Kayla Reid Lochte alleged in court documents that the 12-time Olympic medalist used drugs in front of their children.
At a Glance
- Ryan Lochte, 41, confirms he and Molly Gillihan now share a home
- Lochte has 50% custody of his three children after rehab and therapy
- The couple’s blended family includes six children total
- Why it matters: The move comes amid ongoing divorce and custody proceedings that include allegations of substance abuse
Lochte says the decision to cohabitate is “the right next step” after ten months of focusing on fatherhood. “Everything I’ve done over the last 10 months has been about my kids and becoming the best father I can be for them,” he tells News Of Los Angeles. “That meant doing the work – going to rehab, rededicating my life to Christ, going to therapy and making changes that put my children first.”
A New Chapter
On Wednesday, Jan. 14, Lochte posted two photos on Instagram showing the couple inside their new residence. Both wore matching sweatsuit sets while posing on the living-room floor. “Home sweet home,” he captioned the images.
The swimmer shares:
- Son Caiden, 8
- Daughter Liv, 6
- Daughter Georgia, 2
with Kayla, 34, who filed for divorce last March and publicly announced the split on June 4 via Instagram.
Allegations in Court
In September, News Of Los Angeles obtained court documents in which Kayla alleged Lochte “has a history of substance abuse and, upon information and belief, he is still abusing illegal controlled substances.” Her filing sought full custody, claiming “shared parental responsibility would be detrimental to the children.”
Lochte responded with a statement to News Of Los Angeles:
- “I am not denying that I used drugs in my home”
- “I adamantly deny ever using drugs in front of or around my children”
- “I have never driven them while intoxicated”
He added that at times he would “rest in my truck instead of going inside – not because I was impaired, but because the home environment had become overwhelming and very toxic.”
Blending Families
Gillihan has three children of her own, making the household a family of eight. Lochte tells News Of Los Angeles:
> “I fell in love with someone who shares those same values and who has three children of her own. Together, we’re a family of six kids. She’s my best friend, our kids have formed an incredible bond, and it became clear that being together under one roof was the right next step for all of us.”
He emphasizes the need for stability: “We needed a bigger home to support our blended family, and we’re focused on creating a loving, stable environment for all of our children.”
Divorce Still Pending
While Lochte and Gillihan settle into their new home, divorce proceedings between Lochte and Kayla continue. The former couple married in 2018 and separated earlier this year.
Kayla’s June Instagram post stated:
- “I made the hard decision to end my marriage after deep prayer and reflection”
- “I hold marriage in the highest regard, so this has been one of the most painful, revealing, and challenging seasons of my life”
No trial date has been set for the custody dispute.
Key Takeaways
- Lochte credits rehab, therapy, and faith for regaining 50% custody
- The new household includes six children ages 2-8
- Court filings contain dueling claims about substance use around the kids
- The divorce and custody case remains active in court
