After weeks of speculation from fans online, Summer House stars Amanda Batula and West Wilson dropped matching statements to social media on Tuesday confirming that they are in a “very new” relationship.
In identical Instagram Stories, the Bravo stars told fans they wanted to “provide some clarity” after seeing the “growing online speculation,” while insisting that it was never their 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,” they wrote.
The statement went on to explain that while Amanda and West have “shown up for each other as friends over the years,” what has recently developed between the two “was the last thing either of [them] expected.” They went on to claim that their “connection grew out of a genuine, long-standing friendship,” which is why it was important for them to “approach this with care.”
“As our feelings evolved, we wanted to take time to understand exactly what we were feeling,” they continued. “We 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.”
Amanda and West concluded their statement by thanking fans for their understanding and respect as they both “navigate this.”
While the confirmation of Amanda and West’s relationship has left many Bravo fans stunned, it’s safe to assume Amanda and West’s co-stars were even more shocked by the news– particularly Kyle Cooke and Ciara Miller. As fans of ‘Summer House’ know, Amanda and Kyle announced in January that they were divorcing after four years of marriage.
Meanwhile, West and Ciara previously dated, and Ciara and Amanda happen to be close friends.
While Kyle and Ciara have yet to comment on Amanda and West’s relationship, Page Six reportedly saw Ciara sitting on a sidewalk in New York on Tuesday shortly after hearing the news. In the photo posted by the outlet, The Traitors star appears stunned and is being comforted by an unidentified man.
(According to TMZ, Ciara did get somewhat of a heads-up that Amanda and West were going to confirm their relationship. The site reports that Ciara has “known for at least a day or two that the statement was coming.”)
Lindsay Hubbard appears to have been the first in the ‘Summer House’ circle to publicly react to Amanda and West’s joint statement, taking to her Instagram Story to throw some shade at the pair.
“The new publicist?” Lindsay wrote alongside a photo of Love Is Blind cast member Alex Henderson, who frequently told confusing and/or false stories on Season 10 of the Netflix dating show.
Southern Hospitality star Venita Aspen also weighed in on the drama, while dragging West and Amanda for hurting Ciara.
“Imagine making a statement hard launching a ‘connection’ and not even considering apologizing to the person you hurt. But I guess that tracks,” she wrote, before going on to post a photo of Ciara and the text, “Love you.”
As Bravo fans may recall, West shut down the rumors of his romance with Amanda just last week during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live, telling host Andy Cohen that he and Amanda are just friends and that Amanda is “a very important person to [him] and [he] care[s] about her a lot.”
Weeks earlier, Kyle was also asked about the recent speculation surrounding his ex-wife and co-star, though he said he doubted there was “any merit” to the rumors.
“It would certainly catch me by surprise and feel a little reckless. I think Ciara would probably have something to say,” Kyle said, later adding that if the rumors were true and Amanda was happy, he was all for it.
According to Page Six, Kyle isn’t that “happy” about Amanda moving on with West after all, as a source told the outlet on Tuesday that the ‘Summer House’ cast, including Kyle and Ciara, are “pissed” and “disappointed” in Amanda and West.
RELATED STORY: ‘Summer House’ Star Kyle Cooke Breaks His Silence After Split from Wife Amanda Batula; Says Breakup Was “Not Some Big Surprise”
(Photos: Bravo; Instagram)
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First, before anyone comes at me…they should not have gotten together. Both of them have plenty of options. But, you can see the caring connection they have had for years through Summer House and Insta.
This should not be called Scamanda or Scandavol 2…both of them are single. There was no cheating. I just hope they spoke with Ciara before going public and explained their feelings.
Kyle treated Amanda like garbage for 10 years, he put that woman down every chance he got and ignored her as soon as he got a drink in his hand.
From everything I’ve seen, and how it portrays on camera, Ciara kept West at arms length for a cuddle buddy when it suited her.
If they’re happy, leave them be. Lindsay is the last one to say anything she’s hooked up with half the men in the show over the last 10 years in some capacity.
They’re single grown adults.
If this is true I’m very sad for Ciara, disappointed in Amanda and thoroughly disgusted with West even if this does fit his MO.
Putting my money on April Fools
@tem ~ ooh, interesting. tomorrow will tell…
if true, as i said elsewhere:
#notquitescandoval
#butclose