Kyle Cooke is setting the record straight. The Summer House star appeared on Watch What Happens Live Tuesday night and directly addressed swirling rumors about his love life, and his estranged wife’s.
Cooke flatly denied speculation that he’s dating Next Gen NYC cast member Ava Dash, the daughter of music mogul Dame Dash. Reports had circulated over the weekend that the two were spotted holding hands at a dinner in New York City’s Bowery neighborhood. Cooke explained to host Andy Cohen that the entire table was holding hands for a group blessing, dismissing any romantic interpretation of the gesture.
The dating chatter comes roughly two months after Cooke, 43, and Amanda Batula, 34, announced their separation after four years of marriage. The couple, who began dating in 2016 during the first season of Summer House and married in September 2021, released a joint statement in January confirming they had “mutually and amicably decided to part ways as a couple”.
Sources close to the pair tell Us Weekly that Cooke and Batula are actually “on good terms” and “communicate often about the dogs,” sharing custody of their two pups, Reese and Ryder. The insider added that Batula “had been mentally checked out of the marriage for a very long time” before the official announcement, which explains their relatively friendly post-split dynamic.
During his WWHL appearance, Cooke also weighed in on gossip linking Batula to their Summer House costar West Wilson. Multiple reports had suggested the two were getting close, with some sources claiming they were seen holding hands at events. Cooke dismissed the rumors as unfounded, telling Cohen he believes the speculation is “BS”.
However, Cooke made it clear he harbors no ill will. He stated that if Batula were dating someone, he simply wants her to be happy. This supportive stance aligns with what insiders have told Us Weekly, that both Cooke and Batula don’t want to “know the details” about each other’s dating lives once they do move on, but for now, neither is seriously dating.
Batula has been candid about her post-split mindset. During a March 9 appearance on the “Trading Secrets” podcast, she explicitly stated she’s “not touching any of my cast members,” effectively shutting down the West Wilson speculation herself. “Love them dearly, but I’m good,” she said.
She’s also been open about what she wants moving forward. In an interview with Marie Claire, Batula revealed she’s “manifesting a boyfriend, but just a boyfriend”, someone her “age or younger” for fun, nothing serious. “For now, while I heal, I just want to flirt and make out. To be taken on dates and just enjoy being hot and happy,” she said.
As for Ava Dash, the 26-year-old fashion model and reality star represents a new generation of Bravo talent. Her father, Dame Dash, co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records with Jay-Z. The age gap, Cooke is 17 years her senior, had fueled additional tabloid interest, but Cooke’s denial appears to have put the speculation to rest.
Sources tell Us Weekly that Cooke “hasn’t been seriously dating” since the split, though he “tends to be a big flirt and enjoys meeting new people” while touring as a DJ. “He’s leaning into the single life and having fun,” the insider added.
Both Cooke and Batula continue to film Summer House season 10, which premiered in February and has documented the unraveling of their marriage in real-time. Viewers have watched tensions escalate, including Batula’s accusation that Cooke stayed out until 6:30 a.m. at a fan’s apartment and Cooke’s frustration that Batula seemed indifferent to his DJ career milestones.
Despite the public nature of their split, the two have managed to maintain civility. Neither has filed for divorce yet, but a source tells Us Weekly that when the time comes, both “want to keep a divorce amicable and keep it very mature”.
For now, fans can expect to see their story continue to unfold on screen, with both parties insisting the rumors about their off-screen love lives are greatly exaggerated.
