Kyle Cooke Makes a Candid Personal Disclosure During a Live Appearance at Cannes Lions.
- Jun 25
- 5 min read
Kyle Cooke may have arrived at Cannes Lions to discuss reality television, entrepreneurship and the evolving media landscape, but it was a candid confession about his dating life that quickly stole the spotlight. During Page Six’s live “Virtual Reali-Tea” podcast taping at FreeWheel Beach, the longtime “Summer House” star surprised both the audience and his fellow panelists when the conversation shifted toward his newfound single life.
Appearing alongside co-star Lindsay Hubbard and hosts Evan Real and Danny Murphy, Cooke seemed relaxed and eager to embrace the playful atmosphere of the event. The discussion covered everything from reality television to life after major personal changes, but it was one unexpected revelation that generated the biggest reaction.

“Shoutout to Astrid,” Cooke cheekily told the hosts after referring to himself as “DJ The Kissing Bandit.”
The comment immediately sparked curiosity among audience members and fellow panelists alike. Murphy and Real pressed him for more details, hoping to learn more about the mystery woman who had apparently caught his attention during his stay in France.
Cooke, however, offered only a brief and provocative response.
“She’s in my bed.”
The unexpected remark prompted laughter from the crowd and an immediate reaction from Hubbard, who jokingly observed that the panel was “already so unhinged” following her castmate’s confession.
While Cooke declined to elaborate further on Astrid, the conversation soon turned toward another woman who has recently been linked to him romantically: “Southern Charm” star Salley Carson. Rumors connecting the two Bravo personalities have circulated for weeks, and the live podcast provided an opportunity for Cooke to address the speculation directly.
Rather than avoiding the subject, he spoke warmly about Carson and appeared eager to defend her against criticism she has occasionally faced from viewers.
“I think she’s amazing,” Cooke said.
Hubbard quickly seized the opportunity to tease her friend, joking that Carson “is about to find out about Astrid.”
The playful exchange reflected the dynamic that has made both reality stars fan favorites over the years. Their ability to balance humor with personal revelations has long been one of the defining characteristics of “Summer House,” a series that has transformed ordinary social interactions into compelling television for nearly a decade.
As the conversation continued, Cooke expanded on his admiration for Carson.
“I think ‘Southern Charm…’ I love all my friends on that show. I feel like she kind of gets a raw deal,” he explained. “I think she’s amazing.”
He went on to praise her work ethic and ambition.
“She’s a full-time, career-driven woman, and also films. The men should take note on that show.”
His comments echoed reports that first surfaced earlier this month suggesting that he and Carson had embarked on what insiders described as a “new and casual” romance. According to those reports, the pair had spent time together in Charleston, South Carolina, and quickly developed a strong connection.

“They’ve only hung out a few times but get along really well,” one source claimed. “They have a lot of chemistry.”
The insider also suggested that Cooke was “really into” Carson, adding further fuel to ongoing speculation about the nature of their relationship.
The Cannes confession comes during a transformative period in Cooke’s personal life. Earlier this year, he and Amanda Batula announced the end of their marriage after four years together. Their relationship had been one of Bravo’s most closely followed romances, unfolding in real time across multiple seasons of “Summer House.”
Viewers watched as the pair navigated nearly every stage of a modern relationship. Their story included early dating struggles, trust issues, engagement discussions, wedding planning and ultimately marriage. Unlike many reality television romances that fade once cameras stop rolling, Cooke and Batula allowed audiences unprecedented access to both their happiest moments and their most painful disagreements.
Their relationship was frequently tested by the demands of public life. Cooke’s intense focus on building his beverage company Loverboy often created tension between the couple. Batula occasionally expressed frustration that work seemed to consume nearly every aspect of their lives, while Cooke struggled to balance professional ambition with personal commitments.
Over the years, rumors, emotional confrontations and recurring communication problems became recurring themes on the show. Yet despite those challenges, many viewers believed the couple would ultimately overcome their differences.

The announcement of their separation therefore came as a shock to a significant portion of the Bravo audience. During the “Summer House” Season 10 reunion, further revelations emerged that added another layer of complexity to the story. The former couple disclosed that they had not been sexually intimate during their marriage, a confession that immediately became one of the most discussed moments of the reunion.
For fans who had spent years invested in their relationship, the revelation provided new context for struggles that had previously played out on screen. It also highlighted the difficulties that can arise when personal relationships become intertwined with public expectations and professional pressures.
The aftermath of the split has generated additional headlines due to Batula’s new relationship with West Wilson, another “Summer House” cast member and a former friend of Cooke. The development has reportedly created tension within the group and introduced a new source of drama to the franchise.
Yet while his personal life has remained under intense scrutiny, Cooke has continued to enjoy considerable professional success. Long before becoming known for his romantic relationships, he established himself as one of Bravo’s most successful entrepreneurs. His company Loverboy has grown into a multimillion-dollar brand and is frequently cited as one of the most successful business ventures ever launched by a reality television personality.
Cooke’s entrepreneurial ambitions have always distinguished him from many of his peers. Rather than relying solely on television fame, he used his platform to build a business that extended beyond the Bravo universe. The journey was not without obstacles, and viewers witnessed many of those challenges firsthand, including financial pressures, production setbacks and the difficulties of scaling a rapidly growing company.

His ability to turn reality television exposure into a sustainable business has earned him respect within the industry. It has also allowed him to maintain relevance even as the reality television landscape continues to evolve.
At 43, Cooke appears determined to embrace a new phase of life. Whether he is DJing events, expanding his business interests, filming new seasons of “Summer House” or navigating the realities of dating after divorce, he continues to place himself at the center of the narrative rather than retreating from public attention.
His recent behavior reflects that shift. In recent months, Cooke has become known for his playful interactions with fans during DJ appearances and has been linked to several women, including former “Real Housewives of Orange County” personality Meghan King. Those encounters have fueled discussion about whether he is simply enjoying his newfound freedom or actively searching for a meaningful relationship.
For now, the answer remains unclear. His comments about Astrid and Salley Carson suggest a man who is open to new experiences while avoiding definitive labels. The willingness to joke about his dating life also indicates a level of comfort with public scrutiny that many reality stars struggle to maintain.
What remains undeniable is that Kyle Cooke continues to be one of Bravo’s most compelling personalities. Whether discussing business, relationships or life after marriage, he possesses a unique ability to keep audiences engaged. His unexpected confession in Cannes may have started as a lighthearted moment during a podcast recording, but it ultimately offered another glimpse into a man navigating personal reinvention in front of millions of viewers.

As “Summer House” prepares for its next chapter and speculation continues surrounding his romantic future, Cooke appears content to let the conversation unfold naturally. If his appearance at Cannes Lions proved anything, it is that he remains just as capable of generating headlines today as he was when audiences first met him years ago.




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