Thu, April 2, 2026

Amanda Batula 'Doing Okay' Amidst Relationship Scrutiny

Southampton, NY - April 2nd, 2026 - Amanda Batula, former star of Bravo's Summer House, is reportedly "doing okay" despite facing significant public criticism following her relationship with West Wilson, according to her ex-husband and co-star, Kyle Cooke. Cooke's comments, made to Page Six earlier today, offer a rare glimpse into Batula's state of mind as she navigates a complex situation involving a new romance, past professional ties, and intense public scrutiny.

The relationship between Batula, 36, and Wilson, 25, has been a subject of considerable online debate since news broke shortly after Batula's separation from Cooke in July 2024 and the contemporaneous departure of Wilson's father, Jeff Shell, from his position as CEO of NBCUniversal. Shell's sudden exit, shrouded in reports of misconduct, immediately fueled speculation and, ultimately, criticism when Batula began dating his son.

Critics have voiced concerns that the timing and nature of the relationship are inappropriate, suggesting Batula may have leveraged her professional connection to the Shell family. Others have questioned the power dynamics at play given the age difference and the previous employer-employee dynamic, however distant. The narrative quickly became fueled by social media commentary and online forums, with accusations of impropriety leveled against Batula.

"I think it's a really unfair situation," Cooke stated emphatically. "These are two consenting adults and they're happy, and it's no one else's business." He reiterated his support for Batula, emphasizing her strength and ability to handle the pressure. "She's a very strong woman, and she's handling it with grace."

However, the situation is far from simple. While Cooke frames the relationship as a private matter, the public profile both individuals have cultivated through reality television significantly complicates the issue. Summer House thrives on showcasing personal lives, and the fallout from Cooke and Batula's split was heavily documented. This pre-existing level of public exposure has magnified the current controversy, making it difficult for Batula and Wilson to maintain privacy.

Batula's career at NBCUniversal, while not explicitly detailed in reports, appears to have been a significant part of her professional life before her focus shifted towards the lifestyle brand, "Batula Beauty". The connection to Shell, and the subsequent timing of the relationship with his son, adds a layer of complexity that's hard to ignore. The optics, as many commentators have pointed out, are undeniably challenging. It's important to note that Shell's departure from NBCUniversal involved allegations of inappropriate behavior, further complicating the public's perception of the situation and lending credence to those questioning the relationship's foundations.

The dynamic also raises broader questions about the pressures faced by women in the public eye. While Wilson is also subject to scrutiny, a disproportionate amount of the criticism has been directed towards Batula, focusing on her choices and perceived motivations. This highlights a persistent tendency to scrutinize women's personal lives and relationships more intensely than men's.

Cooke's statement offers a brief respite from the swirling negativity, portraying Batula as resilient and focused on her wellbeing. He highlights her "good sense of humor" as a coping mechanism, suggesting she is actively choosing to prioritize her mental health. Sources close to Batula have confirmed she is leaning on friends and family for support during this difficult time.

Ultimately, the public will likely continue to speculate about the nature of Batula and Wilson's relationship. However, Cooke's plea for understanding underscores the need for empathy and respect, reminding observers that, despite their public personas, these are individuals navigating a complicated personal life under intense scrutiny. Whether Batula and Wilson can successfully navigate this ongoing public storm remains to be seen, but Cooke's assessment offers a glimmer of hope that she is, indeed, "doing okay".


Read the Full Page Six Article at:
[ https://pagesix.com/2026/04/01/entertainment/kyle-cooke-how-amanda-batula-is-holding-up-amid-west-wilson-romance-backlash/ ]