Earlier this week, Ex husband to the late Naya Rivera, actor Ryan Dorsey, released a 12-minute video on Instagram addressing aftermath of Rivera's death. Dorsey has been struggling for the past two months with helping, Josey, the son that he and Rivera shared together cope with her untimely death.
In recent weeks, Dorsey has been linked to Rivera's 25-year-old younger sister, Nickayla Rivera. The pair was seen holding hands during a shopping trip at a local Target. Dorsey and the younger Rivera have also been rumored to have moved in together to care for son Josey, whom he now has full custody of.
Actor Ryan Dorsey and his late ex wife's sister Nickayla Rivera holding hands while shopping.
Dorsey admits to losing 20 pounds, not being able to sleep at night, and depression due to thoughts of his young son growing up without a mother. The toughest part about Dorsey's predicament is not the hate that is being spewed from online trolls, but explaining Rivera's death to their son Josey. "You tell him she's an angel now and she’s with God and she’s in heaven, and he says 'I wanna go there. How do I get there?' I wouldn’t wish that upon any of your ears to have to hear that. To hear those words come out of the sweetest soul you know." explains Dorsey in his video.
Naya Rivera, Ryan Dorsey, and their son Josey during happier times.
Dorsey also explained that Nickayla Rivera, whom Josey affectionately refers to as Titi, has stepped in as a surrogate mother. Dorsey slammed outlets for "such absurd narratives, trying to create false realities” about the relationship between him and Josey's aunt.
“I wouldn’t want any of you to ever have to go through that. And to have to let him get what he wants, what he asks for and what he needs right now, which is his family. Even though you know it’s temporary and it’s not forever; it’s a temporary situation." Dorsey continued, “After all he’s had to go through, how could you deny him that? And because of what? Because of what some strangers might think or say? Or spew some hatred based on some ill-advised, illogical, misinformed tabloid?”
Nickayla Rivera also took to Instagram to correct the press about the nature of her relationship with her late sister's ex husband. Allegations of a romantic relationship between the two heightened when Dorsey and Rivera were followed and photographed by two fans while shopping at Target for items for Josey's birthday party.
Nickayla Rivera takes to Instagram to address false rumors.
Naya (left) and Nikayla (right) together as kids.
In July, Naya Rivera, best known for starring in the hit Fox television show Glee was the victim of an accidental drowning. Rivera was boating with her son Josey when the current of Lake Piru located in Ventura County, California took her under. She was 33 years old. Josey was later found safely asleep on the boat. Josey recalled his mother using the last of her strength to hoist him up on the boat. Rivera disappeared under the waves as she called for help according to the little boy, the only eyewitness to the tragedy.
Overall, Dorsey asked for privacy and respect for himself and Rivera's family as they grieve. “The grieving can start, but the sadness gets heavier,” Dorsey said.
Naya Rivera with son her beloved son Josey. Rest in Peace Naya.