Dean McDermott calls ex Tori a ‘loving person’

Dean McDermott has no time for social media trolls – especially when it comes to his estranged wife, Tori spelling.

After McDermott, 57, went Instagram officially with new girlfriend Lily Calo On Wednesday, May 17 — and Spelling, 51, showed her support by liking the photo — one social media user took to the comments section to write, “The fact that Tori liked this is mind-boggling!”

McDermott then defended the Beverly Hills, 90210 alum in a reply.

“It’s because she is a highly developed and compassionate, loving person, and that’s much more [than] I can say it for the trolls commenting on this post,” he wrote. ‘Tori has a boyfriend. People get divorced and are better apart [than they are] together. That’s life. I will pray for happiness for all the haters.”

Related: Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott’s ups and downs

Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott have been making headlines since their scandalous start. When the couple met in 2005, McDermott was married to Mary Jo Eustace, with whom he shares son Jack, and Spelling was married to Charlie Shanian. “It was love at first sight. I fell so hard… Then I noticed he had a […]

Fans of the Canadian actor were quick to praise his response. “Well said. I wish only the best for you both and whatever direction you go,” one Instagram user wrote.

Another added: “Bravo 👏 👏👏 Be happy everyone💞 Love doesn’t end because of a piece of paper.”

McDermott’s comments about Spelling mark an amicable milestone in their relationship, as the couple has endured many ups and downs in the public eye since exchanging vows in 2006. The former couple, who share sons Liam, 16, Finn, 11, and Beau, 6, and daughters Stella, 15, and Hattie, 12, sparked split speculation several times over the course of their 17-year marriage. (McDermott also shares son Jack, 25, with ex-wife Maria Jo Eustace.)

In June 2023, McDermott surprised followers after posting and then deleting an announcement stating that the duo had called it quits.

It was later revealed that the date of his social media post coincided with the date of separation listed in the divorce filing, which Spelling initiated in March, citing irreconcilable differences.

However, on Monday, May 13, McDermott filed his own paperwork, providing a different divorce date than his estranged wife. In her filing, Spelling said the couple separated on June 17, 2023, but McDermott listed their separation date as July 7, 2023, according to documents obtained by We weekly.

McDermott also requested joint physical and legal custody of the couple’s five children, while Spelling sought sole custody in her filing.

Despite their ongoing legal troubles, Spelling and McDermott appear to be enjoying their relationship in a civil manner as they navigate their new normal.

During a conversation with singer Sara Evans During an April episode of her podcast “Misspelling,” the actress opened up about her connection with McDermott’s new boyfriend.

“My soon-to-be ex has a girlfriend – a live-in girlfriend – who met the kids,” she said. ‘And I like her. I actually really like her. She supports him. They hold each other accountable. They are down to earth.”

McDermott previously said his substance abuse issues were the main reason for his and Spelling’s split.

“Alcohol made me feel good. I started to feel good enough until it got to a point where I didn’t – it ended up in isolation,” he said Daily email in an interview in November 2023. “I ended up drinking a fifth of tequila every night, seven days a week, and a handful [prescription medications] alone with a beautiful family in the other room.”

He added, “That’s what it led to and that’s what led to the brokenness and what happened between me and Tori. I couldn’t do it anymore. I couldn’t live that life anymore. I was tired of the anger and shouting.”

For her part, Tori has moved on as CEO of Advertising Ryan Kramer.

“Tori met Ryan through work a few months ago and thought he was very charming and handsome,” an insider exclusively shared We weekly in November 2023. “Tori is very excited about the new relationship and it doesn’t bother her that people say he looks a lot like Dean.”