Naya Rivera’s sister Nickayla and her ex-husband Ryan Dorsey have found comfort in each other two months after the Glee star’s death.
Nickayla, 25, is catching the side-eye treatment from social media users after she and Dorsey, 37, were photographed appearing to hold hands while shopping at a Target in Los Angeles on Sept. 19, PEOPLE reports. The pair have also moved in together to care for Dorsey and Naya’s 5-year-old son Josey.
Dorsey and Rivera tied the knot in 2014 and divorced in 2018.
Nickayla took to social media to address criticism over her relationship with her sister’s ex. She hit up her Instagram Story on Monday night and asked that critics show ″compassion,” as she is simply ″showing up for my nephew.”
Read More: Naya Rivera lifted son in boat, cried for help before drowning, autopsy says
″In the darkest time of my life, the only thing that is important is my friends & family. Showing up for my nephew even though I can’t show up for myself,″ Nickayla explained.
She also noted that she’s ″not concerned with the way things look″ because ″no one can see each agonizing moment we all endure.″
″What matters most I’ve learned, is to show compassion, not to judge others and never take a moment for granted. I hope you can all do the same,” Nickayla concluded.
An insider tell Entertainment Tonight that Nickayla and Dorsey moved in together for the sake of the child, and that their relationship is not romantic.
“They simply share the same goal—to give Josey the best childhood possible and to raise him the best they can without Naya,” the source said. “They’ve also found comfort in one another because they understand what each other is dealing with and they know how exhausting it can be to be grieving in the public eye while trying to keep it together for Josey.”
Read More: Naya Rivera’s ex-husband breaks silence in wake of actress’ shocking death
Rivera had been swimming in a California lake with her son in July when she drowned. According to the child, she lifted him into the pontoon boat and yelled for help before being submerged, as reported by Associated Press. Her body was found five days later. Rivera’s death was ruled an accidental drowning. The autopsy also stated that she had prior bouts of vertigo.
A toxicology report indicated that Rivera had small amounts of diazepam, an anti-anxiety medication, and phentermine, an appetite suppressant, in her blood. The report said it was a therapeutic amount in her system.
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