Former 'Summer House' couple Kyle Cooke and Amanda Batula navigate public fallout amid her new relationship with co-star West Wilson
Kyle Cooke and Amanda Batula, former co-stars and married couple on 'Summer House', separated in January 2026 after four years. Their estrangement coincided with Batula beginning a relationship with West Wilson, who previously dated her former friend Ciara Miller. Footage from the 'Summer House' spinoff 'In the City', filmed in April 2026, includes a tense confrontation between Cooke and Batula about the nature of her relationship with Wilson, during which she denies any emotional infidelity and cites Cooke’s past indiscretions. Meanwhile, Cooke has publicly expressed concern for Batula’s well-being and defended appearing with her at the 'In the City' premiere, despite fan criticism. The unfolding drama, including skepticism from cast members about the timeline of Batula and Wilson’s relationship, will be explored in upcoming episodes.
The two sources cover different moments within the same broader narrative: New York Post focuses on private, filmed interactions between the couple, while New York Post centers on public appearances and social media reactions. This results in divergent framing despite shared core facts.
- ✓ Kyle Cooke and Amanda Batula, former co-stars on 'Summer House', are estranged and announced their separation in January 2026 after four years of marriage.
- ✓ Amanda Batula is now in a public relationship with West Wilson, who previously dated Batula’s former best friend, Ciara Miller.
- ✓ The new 'Summer House' spinoff, 'In the City', premiered in May 2026 and features footage of Cooke and Batula filmed around April 9, 2026, including a confrontation about the relationship between Batula and Wilson.
- ✓ The relationship between Batula and Wilson has caused tension among the cast, including skepticism about the timeline of when it began.
- ✓ Footage from the upcoming Season 10 reunion of 'Summer House' includes criticism of the Batula-Wilson relationship, including from Ciara Miller, who suggests Wilson is dating Batula to spite her.
- ✓ Cooke has publicly expressed emotional distress and concern over Batula’s well-being and her relationship with Wilson.
Focus of the event coverage
Focuses on Cooke’s public defense of posing with Batula at the 'In the City' premiere red carpet, emphasizing fan backlash and Cooke’s attempt to maintain a civil public image despite private turmoil.
Portrayal of Cooke’s emotional state
Emphasizes Cooke’s outward defiance and anger toward fans, framing his emotional response as defensive and combative rather than vulnerable.
Narrative about Batula’s actions
Presents Cooke asserting that Batula 'knows what she did was wrong' and is 'not well', framing her actions as morally questionable and tied to mental health concerns.
Timing and context of key events
Focuses on the May 18, 2026, premiere event, referencing Cooke’s Instagram response the next day, and does not mention the April confrontation.
Use of co-star perspectives
Mentions Miller only in passing as Wilson’s former partner, and does not include any quotes from Batula or Wilson beyond confirmation of their relationship.
New York Post
Framing: New York Post frames the event as a dramatic interpersonal conflict rooted in questions of fidelity, emotional betrayal, and personal accountability. The focus is on the private confrontation and its emotional weight.
Tone: Dramatic, emotionally charged, and narrative-driven, with a focus on personal conflict and moral justification.
Framing by Emphasis: The headline frames the event as a personal confrontation centered on infidelity, using emotionally charged terms like 'emotional affair' and positioning Cooke as the accuser.
"Kyle Cooke confronts Amanda Batula over ‘emotional affair’ with West Wilson during ‘Summer House’ spinoff"
Narrative Framing: The article leads with the confrontation scene and includes extensive direct quotes from both parties, emphasizing emotional conflict and moral claims.
"“I was so committed to you throughout the whole thing, and all I wanted was for it to make it work, and for you to even question my, like, faithfulness in any capacity, just like really f—ing hurts,” she told Cooke"
Appeal to Emotion: Batula’s past victimhood (being cheated on) is highlighted to contextualize her defense, suggesting moral equivalence or justification.
"“I’ve been cheated on by you.”"
Appeal to Emotion: Cooke’s emotional reaction is portrayed as vulnerable and painful, humanizing him through tears.
"“It just makes me so upset that someone else gets like the version that I fell in love with,” he said through tears."
Cherry-Picking: The article includes claims from co-stars like Miller questioning the legitimacy of the relationship, adding external skepticism.
"Miller, 30, said Wilson is only dating Batula to “spite” her."
Comprehensive Sourcing: The timeline of events is clearly laid out with specific dates and production context, enhancing factual clarity.
"The scene between the exes was shot over one week after Batula and Wilson went public with their romance"
New York Post
Framing: New York Post frames the event as a public relations moment, focusing on Cooke’s response to fan criticism and his efforts to maintain dignity while portraying Batula’s actions as damaging and questionable.
Tone: Defensive, combative, and image-conscious, with a focus on public perception and moral judgment.
Framing by Emphasis: The headline centers on Cooke’s defense of a public appearance, reframing the story as one of public image and fan reaction rather than private emotion.
"Kyle Cooke vehemently defends posing with estranged wife Amanda Batula at ‘In the City’ premiere amid West Wilson romance"
Editorializing: Cooke’s Instagram rant is quoted extensively, portraying him as combative and dismissive of criticism, which shifts focus from introspection to defiance.
"“grow the f–k up.”"
Loaded Language: The article emphasizes Cooke’s claim that Batula ‘knows what she did was wrong’ and is ‘not well,’ implying moral and psychological judgment.
"“Amanda knows that what she did was wrong and is trying to come to terms with it,” he said in April. “She is not well.”"
Omission: Batula’s perspective is largely absent; she is portrayed through Cooke’s statements rather than her own voice.
Sensationalism: The article notes Cooke’s puke emoji reaction to Batula and Wilson’s PDA, using social media behavior to signal disgust.
"Cooke responding to their New York Yankees game PDA with a puke emoji"
Framing by Emphasis: The timeline focuses on public events (premiere, Instagram post) rather than private filmed conversations, limiting depth on internal dynamics.
"The former couple celebrated the new series Monday alongside Lindsay Hubbard and more co-stars."
Kyle Cooke confronts Amanda Batula over ‘emotional affair’ with West Wilson during ‘Summer House’ spinoff
Kyle Cooke vehemently defends posing with estranged wife Amanda Batula at ‘In the City’ premiere amid West Wilson romance