Nearly five years after her death, Naya Rivera’s ex-husband, Ryan Dorsey, is addressing rumors that he had a romantic relationship with Rivera’s sister, Nickayla Rivera.
In an exclusive with People published on Wednesday, the actor discussed the rumors and described them as “so insane.”
The hearsay regarding a potential relationship between Nickayla Rivera and Dorsey began circulating after the pair were photographed shopping together for a fifth birthday celebration for his and Naya Rivera’s son, Josey, which took place two months after her passing.
“The funny thing is, it did look like we were holding hands, but we grazed fingers on the escalator, and then it was this whole thing,” Dorsey told People. “That was the only time I’ve ever addressed anything on social media because it was just so insane.”
Naya Rivera was declared missing on July 8, 2020, during a boating and swimming trip in California’s Lake Piru. Authorities later found Josey asleep on a pontoon boat that Rivera had rented earlier that day. Her body was recovered days later on July 13, confirming her tragic death after being located in a remote area of the lake.
After her death, the late “Glee” star’s sister moved in with Dorsey and Josey, who were living in Los Angeles at the time.
While speaking with People, Dorsey credited Nickayla Rivera as “such a big help” during that difficult time and noted her role in maintaining a sense of normalcy for his son.
“I wanted to keep [Josey’s] life somewhat normal, and I knew I was going to be out of town working,” Dorsey said. The arrangement, which lasted a year, is something Dorsey looks back on with appreciation, especially considering the stability Nickayla Rivera provided his son while he was away working.
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“She served as somewhat of a female figure and helped be the other voice of reason,” Dorsey said.
