Katherine Ryan Opens Up About Daughter's Father's Lack of Involvement
Canadian-born comedian Katherine Ryan, 42, has publicly criticized the father of her 16-year-old daughter Violet, stating he has "never paid anything for her" and engages in what she calls "breadcrumbing." In a recent podcast appearance, Ryan expressed her disappointment, noting that while he is not a bad person, his minimal efforts fall short of the paternal role she desires for her daughter.
Details of the Father's Behavior
Ryan, a panel show stalwart, has never disclosed the identity of Violet's father but confirmed he is a comedian she met on the circuit in Canada before moving to the UK. She explained that she had previously avoided speaking negatively about him to protect Violet, but now that her daughter is 16, she feels less compelled to hold back. "I've been careful never to s**g him off just because I don't think it's the right thing to do," Ryan shared on the Juicy Scoop with Heather McDonald podcast. "And I really protected him while my daughter was young. I would never say anything bad about him."
Understanding 'Breadcrumbing' in Relationships
The term "breadcrumbing" refers to sending irregular and vague messages to keep someone engaged without any intention of full commitment. Ryan described this behavior as limited to texts like "Hey, love you. How are you?" which she acknowledges is better than no contact but insufficient. "He hasn't been the type of dad that you would want for your daughter," she added, emphasizing the lack of sacrifices and financial support.
Ryan's Personal Life and Parenting Journey
Ryan, who reunited with childhood sweetheart Bobby Koostra and entered a civil partnership with him in 2019, also has three younger children: Fred, four, Fenna, three, and four-month-old Holland. She joked about being an excellent "non-contact parent" herself, highlighting how minimal effort, such as offering a Starbucks visit, can mean a lot to teenagers. "All you have to do with a teenage girl is drive to the mother's house, send her a text, and go, 'Do you want to come get Starbucks with me?' It's all they have to do, it's all teenagers care about!"
Reflections on Single Motherhood and Career
Ryan revealed that her relationship with Violet's father was struggling even before their daughter was born, leading her to embrace single motherhood. She believed being a stand-up comedian was conducive to this role, as it allowed her to be home during the day and work at night. Violet accompanied her on tours across the UK from a young age, with Ryan starting small tours when her daughter was three or four. "The UK is so amazing for stand-up because it is small, but there are gigs in all these towns and cities every night of the week," she noted.
Recent Personal Updates
In other news, Ryan recently underwent a £16,000 full facelift eight weeks after giving birth to Holland, aiming to "reclaim her identity." She reassured fans that the surgery, which included fat transfer and a blepharoplasty, was not about turning back the clock but restoring her pre-COVID appearance after multiple pregnancies.
Ryan's candid comments shed light on the challenges of co-parenting and the expectations for parental involvement, resonating with many who face similar situations.
