Ryan Lochte is responding to his ex-wife’s claims that he used medicine in entrance of their three youngsters.
Kayla Lochte accused the previous Olympic swimmer of inhaling nitrous oxide in entrance of their youngsters, based on an Us Weekly report printed on Tuesday.
The previous couple share three youngsters collectively: Caiden, 8, Liv, 6, and Georgia, 2.
In court docket paperwork considered by Us Weekly, Kayla Lochte argues that “shared parental responsibility would be detrimental to the children because [Ryan] has a history of substance abuse and, upon information and belief, he is still abusing illegal controlled substances.”
The paperwork additional allege that the Olympian left empty baggies of cocaine round his household’s residence, together with within the bedrooms of his youngsters, and that he had pushed his youngsters to highschool whereas intoxicated.
Maury Phillips through Getty Photos
Ryan Lochte denied the allegations in an announcement additionally shared with Us Weekly.
“I am not denying that I used drugs in my home, but I adamantly deny ever using drugs in front of or around my children, and I have never driven them while intoxicated,” the 41-year-old informed the outlet.
“I have tried desperately to keep these divorce proceedings private and sealed, not to protect myself, but to protect my children from fabricated allegations that could hurt them,” he mentioned. “Unfortunately, despite that effort, my ex-wife chose to make this matter public, knowing I was already in intensive rehab.”
Lochte mentioned that he’s now targeted on his restoration and “moving forward in a way that keeps my kids safe, supported, and loved.”
The Lochtes introduced they have been splitting in June after tying the knot in 2018.
Simply days in the past, Lochte described overcoming a “dark place” in his life and popping out on the opposite facet, describing his journey with despair and substance abuse and saying he’s doing significantly better now.
“I wanted to share some positive updates in my life and what’s going on,” Lochte shared with followers in a video on his Instagram account posted final week. “I am so happy right now. And the big reason is that I’m 54 days sober. Yes!”
The athlete spoke about breaking his leg in a automotive accident in 2023 and studying tips on how to stroll once more.
He mentioned he “fell into a really dark place” and {that a} mixture of despair and loneliness made him really feel “like I was giving up on life,” which “led me down a road of substance abuse.”
“With everything going on in my life, I needed to make a change ― a drastic change,” he mentioned, including that he sought out a restoration heart to assist him repair his issues with substances.
“The staff there has been incredible. They helped me realize that substance abuse isn’t a solution ― it’s just a distraction that makes things worse,” he shared.
Lochte mentioned that he’s now “thinking clearly” and “moving forward.”
“I am bettering myself each day,“ he added. “If anyone out there is struggling, please know you’re not alone in this.”
Need assistance with substance use dysfunction or psychological well being points? Within the U.S., name 800-662-HELP (4357) for the SAMHSA Nationwide Helpline.
