Kyle Cooke has spoken out against online accusations that his separation from Amanda Batula was fabricated for television ratings.

The Summer House star addressed the backlash on May 19, 2026, after the estranged couple posed together at a promotional event for their new spinoff, In the City.

>>> Mark Cuban Holds Stake in Reading International as FY25 Net Losses Shrink

Cooke Responds to Fan Skepticism

In an Instagram Story, Cooke explained that he convinced Batula to attend the premiere party.

“Guys, yes, Amanda and I took a picture together,” he said. “I was just happy that she showed up.

She almost didn't come to a show that she participated in.”

He expressed frustration over the skepticism, stating, “Shoot me!

Shoot me, but don't call my life, my relationship, my marriage, and my implosion of a marriage fake.”

>>> Mark Cuban Backs Live Entertainment Stocks Despite Market Challenges

Cooke urged critics to understand the situation, adding, “We're all adults here, and we all showed up to a premiere party.

And yes, Amanda did not want to come. And I convinced her to come.

We took a photo together. Grow the f—up.”

Defending Summer House's Authenticity

Cooke previously discussed the unscripted nature of Summer House on the Trading Secrets podcast.

He explained that the show's continuous surveillance sets it apart from heavily produced reality series.

“If I have something to say on a scene-based show, I literally have to wait for cameras,” Cooke said.

>>> Harvard Endowment Reduces Bitcoin Stake, Exits Ethereum Entirely

“On Summer House, I might just say it right in the moment because I know there's surveillance. So, it just lends itself to a more organic.

It's like real reality, right?”

He noted that filming occurs non-stop throughout entire weekends to capture genuine interactions.

“I'm not trying to say that other shows aren't real, but they just lend themselves to feel a little more produced because, well, yeah, life isn't scene-based, right?

Our weekends though, I mean, we shoot straight through, and it's that's the kind of beauty of the footage that we get,” said Cooke.

>>> 13D Management Sells Entire Bill.com Stake in Q1 2026

The spinoff series In the City is scheduled to premiere after the Summer House Season 10 finale, according to Parade.