“Summer House” co-stars Amanda Batula and West Wilson have confirmed their secret relationship after rumors began to spread.
“We’ve seen the growing online speculation, so while this is still very new, we wanted to provide some clarity,” the two shared a joint statement via their Instagram Stories Tuesday.
“It was never our intention to purposely hide anything. Given the complicated relationship dynamics involved and the scrutiny that comes with being on a reality show, we needed a little space to process things privately before speaking on it.”
“We’ve shown up for each other as friends over the years, through all the highs and lows, and what’s developed recently was the last thing either of us expected.”
The pair noted that their “connection grew out of a genuine, longstanding friendship” and explained that they took time to go public with their relationship because they wanted to “approach this with care.”
“As our feelings evolved, we wanted to take time to understand exactly what we were feeling. We also recognize that this has had an impact beyond just us and never wanted our actions to cause any hurt or be perceived as careless.”
“We truly appreciate the understanding and respect as we navigate this,” the statement concluded.
Their romance comes off of Batula’s recent separation from estranged husband, Kyle Cooke. The former couple split in January after four years of marriage.
Wilson previously dated their other “Summer House” co-star Ciara Miller, who is also best friends with Batula — which makes the pairing messy.
Last week, Page Six exclusively reported that the two women were feuding because of the ongoing rumors about Batula and Wilson, before they were even confirmed.
Fans have been speculating that Batula, 34, and Wilson, 30, have been secretly hooking up since March 5 when a source told Deuxmoi they spotted the co-stars being “openly flirty, allegedly even holding hands under the table” at an event in New York City.
When Wilson appeared on “Watch What Happens Live” on March 24, he couldn’t outright deny the that he and Batula had been seeing each other romantically, which fueled the rumors even more.
“She’s single now, and it’s happened with other people that she’s hung out with,” he said of the rumors. “We’re just hanging out in New York. She’s single. I kinda gotta show her the streets, you know?”
“If it’s not clear, that’s a very important person to me, and I, like, care about her a lot,” he added, calling Batula “a friend” when pressed further.
Over the weekend, several of their “Summer House” co-stars also weighed into the drama via social media — making it clear they are on Miller’s side.
Carle Radke, Lindsay Hubbard and KJ Dillard all posted memes to their Instagram Stories where they look confused and disgusted.
Miller has unfollowed Batula and Wilson on Instagram.
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