Nickayla Rivera isn't concerned with what people think about her, even when it's the worst thing ever.
The 25-year-old younger sister of the late Naya Rivera has been completely gutted since losing Naya in July. The two were very close. Nickayla has also played an active role in Naya's son's life.
It's 5-year-old Josey who's been at the forefront of Nickayla's mind. To that end, she's decided to keep being hands-on with her nephew. Nickayla has stepped in as a co-parent of sorts. She's helping Naya's ex-husband, Ryan Dorsey, with the day-to-day of raising Josey.
On Monday, reports that the two moved in together began to surface. The heavy implication has been that the two have become romantically involved. Obviously, that idea doesn't sit well with a lot of people for a lot of reasons. Sources closer to the two say that it's strictly platonic and all about Josey's best interests. Nickayla took to Instagram to address the rumors head-on.
It's been two months since the tragic loss of Naya Rivera. The 33-year-old actress died after drowning during an afternoon boat outing with her son, 5-year-old Josey. Naturally, there's been a lot of concern for Josey, who saw his mother disappear under the water's surface.
On Monday, reports began surfacing that Naya's younger sister, 25-year-old Nickayla, moved in with Naya's ex-husband, 37-year-old Ryan Dorsey. Many outlets put a salacious spin on the story, heavily implying that the two are dating.
One of the photos of Nickayla and Ryan that garnered a lot of attention was of the two on an escalator in a Los Angeles-area Target. People claimed the two were holding hands. A close look at the picture makes it evident that it's the angle the photo was taken at.
Entertainment Tonight spoke with sources close to the situation, who assured they're setting up a joint home base to provide stability for Josey and nothing more. The sources claim Nickayla stepped in to help with Josey from the moment that they were alerted he was found alone on that boat. She was also a big part of Josey's life before Naya's death, as the sisters were extremely close.
"Since the devastating loss of Naya, Ryan's role in parenting has of course been amped up," the source said.
"He's the primary caregiver but has been relying very heavily on Nickayla. He would not be able to do this without her help and involvement."
The arrangement has worked out well for everyone. The source claims that living together made more sense for the two than shuttling Josey back and forth between their homes. They emphasize that nothing romantic is happening between Nickayla and Ryan.
"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," the source added.
"All things considered, everyone is doing really well. Josey is a very happy, sweet, and playful boy. And, Ryan and Nickayla have also found many moments of joy and lightness in this tough time. Some days are harder than others, but overall everyone is doing well!"
Nickayla decided to speak out on the controversy around the news of her and Ryan living together. She posted a message to her Instagram stories.
"In the darkest times of my life, the only thing that is important is my friends and family," she wrote. "Showing up for my nephew, even though I can't show up for myself. I'm 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 of life for granted," she continued. "I hope you all can do the same."
Many fans voiced support for Nickayla, who they feel shouldn't have had to speak on the situation.
They point to the longstanding sibling-like relationship between the two as the obvious reason. Naya was seven years older than Nickayla, and Ryan is older than her. Nickayla was around 14 years old when Naya and Ryan first dated. The two have clearly known each other for a long time, and have a relationship of their own that shows no solid evidence of being romantic.
Those who disagree feel that the situation is inappropriate. They feel that it seems like Nickayla is trying to replace Naya in an uncomfortable way. Some have pointed out that Naya and Ryan didn't feel it necessary to live together to raise Josey, so why would she have to?
It hurts absolutely no one to show compassion in this situation. There's no understating what Josey has been through and therefore no way to know what his needs have been in the aftermath. If the support system Ryan and Nickayla have built around the little boy seems to be working, the rest hardly seems to matter.
