Was that a dig? Maralee Nichols offered a glimpse at a sweet outing with 15-month-old son Theo — but it was her caption that got everyone talking.
“Happiness 🫶🏼. It’s the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary,” the fitness model, 33, wrote via Instagram on Sunday, April 2, alongside photos from the twosome’s trip to the beach.
Nichols’ followers were quick to question whether she was throwing shade at Khloé Kardashian following the Good American cofounder’s extravagant party for 5-year-old daughter True that same weekend.
“This one will grow up mentally healthy and happy in the natural world,” a social media user wrote in the comments. Meanwhile, another fan replied, “Simple is right!”
A third commentator slammed Kardashian, 38, for not including Tristan Thompson‘s son in the birthday festivities for his sibling. “Wonder why her little brother didn’t get invited to the birthday party of true like the big brother did,” the person wrote, referring to Thompson’s eldest child Prince, 6, whom he shares with ex Jordan Craig.
Nichols’ social media upload came one day after the Strong Looks Better Naked author threw an elaborate under-the-sea bash for her eldest child. Based on photos and videos shared by the Kardashian-Jenner family, the party featured rainbow balloons and a colorful aquatic birthday cake. In several snaps, Thompson, 32, was seen celebrating his daughter’s birthday with other attendees.
The NBA player first became a father after he and Craig, 31, welcomed their son in 2016. Following their split, Thompson Relationship-timeline-w505561/”>moved on with Kardashian that same year, and they expanded their family with True in 2018.
After Dating on and off, Thompson and the Hulu personality briefly rekindled their romance in 2021. Amid their romance, news broke later that year that Nichols was suing the Canada native for child support. Thompson acknowledged in January 2022 that he is the father to Nichols’ son.
At the time, the athlete issued an apology to Kardashian, writing, “Khloé, you don’t deserve this. You don’t deserve the heartache and humiliation I have caused you. You don’t deserve the way I have treated you over the years. My actions certainly have not lined up with the way I view you. I have the utmost respect and love for you. Regardless of what you may think. Again, I am so incredibly sorry.”
Us Weekly confirmed in July 2022 that Thompson and Kardashian were getting ready to expand their family with a second child ahead of his paternity scandal. Their son was born later that month via surrogate, which was documented on season 2 of The Kardashians.
Ahead of his fourth child’s arrival, a source revealed to Us that Thompson was not in Theo’s life. “He hasn’t met Theo nor has he initiated any meetings,” an insider shared in June 2022. “He doesn’t have any immediate plans to meet his son face to face.”
A second source, however, later exclusively shared that the professional basketball player is focused on helping the reality star raise their two children. “He wants to be present and spend time with the kids and of course Khloé is allowing him to be present in both of the kids’ life,” the insider shared in October 2022. “He wants to be part of the baby’s life and she wants him to be. When he’s there, he’s a good loving dad. He’s not there all the time though as Khloé primarily has custody.”
Kardashian, for her part, recently honored Thompson with a special tribute on his birthday.
“@realtristan13 You are truly the best father, brother & uncle. Your love, attention, silly dances, hugs, carpool rides, bed time rituals, the way u show up for them. All of the above means more than you’ll ever know to your family of littles,” she wrote via Instagram in March. “My birthday wish for u is that u continue to crave change, healing, and transformation. Be strong, be kind, be patient, be free. Make your soul and your mommy proud. Happy birthday baby daddy.”
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Scroll down for more photos from Nichols’ outing with her baby boy:
