Influencer and former Sports Illustrated model Haley Kalil has spoken candidly about experiencing domestic violence in a previous relationship, sharing details that she says shaped both her personal growth and her online work.
Appearing on the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast hosted by Amanda Hirsch, Kalil revealed that while she has faced emotional abuse and infidelity in the past, one former partner was physically abusive — a claim she has not publicly discussed until now.
“That’s Why I Had a Cast”: How Trauma Shaped Her Work
During the January 6 episode, Kalil explained that her experience with abuse directly influenced the creation of her viral video series Billionaire Boyfriend. In the very first episode, she appears with a cast on her wrist — a detail viewers once assumed was part of the joke.
According to Kalil, it wasn’t.
She shared that the cast was a deliberate reference to domestic violence, using satire as a way to process trauma while reclaiming control over her narrative. The series, which debuted in 2022, went on to become one of her most recognizable online projects.
Learning Patterns, Owning Mistakes
Kalil also reflected on how those relationships affected her approach to dating. Speaking honestly, she admitted she hasn’t always made the best choices when it comes to partners, describing herself as someone who tends to trust too easily.
At the same time, she was careful to clarify that not every relationship in her life was harmful, acknowledging that she has also had supportive, positive people around her. Her comments focused more on personal growth than blame — understanding patterns, not rewriting history.
Importantly, Kalil confirmed that the abusive relationship she described did not involve her ex-husband, former NFL player Matt Kalil.
Podcast Episode Coincides With Legal Dispute
The timing of the episode added another layer of attention. It premiered the same day Matt Kalil filed a lawsuit against Haley, alleging that she made invasive and damaging comments about their marriage during a Twitch livestream in November 2025.
Kalil has since said she was shocked by the filing and described the legal action as emotionally draining. Her legal team has stated that they intend to move to dismiss the case, calling the claims legally unsupported.
Both sides have released statements, with Kalil maintaining that the original livestream — which remains online — shows her speaking about her ex with nuance rather than malice.
Why Her Statement Matters
Kalil’s comments resonated with many listeners because they didn’t come packaged as a headline-grabbing accusation, but as part of a broader conversation about healing, self-awareness, and reclaiming agency after trauma.
By connecting her experience to her creative work, she reframed something deeply painful into a discussion about survival, boundaries, and growth — a perspective that many found relatable.
Final Words
Haley Kalil’s decision to speak openly about domestic abuse is a reminder that behind curated social media personas are real stories that don’t always surface on glossy timelines. Her words weren’t about spectacle — they were about honesty, context, and moving forward.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available.
In the U.S., the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
