Model Haley Kalil is striving to move forward professionally as she remains embroiled in a bitter legal dispute with her ex-husband, former NFL player Matt Kalil. The conflict erupted after Haley appeared on a podcast in November 2025, where she made controversial remarks about their marriage, comparing his anatomy to the size of 'two soda cans' during a livestream.
Legal Battle Over Podcast Comments
Matt Kalil promptly filed a lawsuit, alleging that Haley's comments subjected him to 'widespread ridicule' and damaged his reputation. Haley has firmly denied these claims, asserting that her statements are protected under free speech laws. She maintains that she was sharing a 'truthful, autobiographical account' of sexual trauma experienced during their seven-year marriage, which ended in divorce in 2022.
Return to Modelling Amidst Legal Proceedings
While their respective legal teams continue to thrash out the case, Haley has resumed her modelling career with a new shoot for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. The 33-year-old stunned in a red strapless one-piece during the photoshoot, which took place in Baja Sur, Mexico, in December 2025.
She enthusiastically shared behind-the-scenes footage on her YouTube page, captioning it: 'Guess who's back in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit.' The video showcased celebratory moments alongside pictures from the shoot, which also featured notable models like Olivia Dunne and Brooks Nader.
Legal Arguments and Defenses
Haley's legal counsel, Matthew Bialick, told TMZ in January that they have moved to dismiss the complaint, expressing confidence that the motion will be granted. Bialick emphasized Minnesota's strong commitment to free speech, arguing that allowing the lawsuit to proceed would undermine core values by penalizing a woman for sharing her personal experiences.
In her court filing, Haley insists she was not mocking her ex-husband but rather describing the 'anatomical incompatibility' that she claims destroyed their marriage. Her legal team states that their 'loving union... was ultimately hindered by an unfortunate physical incompatibility' that made a 'normal sexual relationship impossible.'
Opposition from Matt Kalil's Legal Team
Attorneys for Matt Kalil have firmly rejected this defense. Ryan Saba, representing the former NFL player, scoffed at the motion to dismiss, telling TMZ that Haley 'wantonly disclosed private and intimate details' for the purpose of 'profiting' from the publicity. Matt Kalil, a fourth-overall pick for the Minnesota Vikings who made the Pro Bowl in his rookie season, accuses Haley of 'cherry-picking' her words to create a false narrative.
Haley's lawyers contend that Matt is attempting to 'hold a woman in the public eye civilly liable for providing a truthful, autobiographical account of sexual trauma she suffered.' They argue that this account led to the end of their highly publicized celebrity marriage. Haley is seeking to have the lawsuit tossed, asserting that she cannot be held civilly liable for sharing her own life experiences.
