Don’t come for Brody Jenner‘s ex! The reality star took to Instagram on Friday, August 16 to slam all the “negativity” that Kaitlynn Carter has been facing online. After the Hills: New Beginnings star was caught locking lips with the also newly-single Miley Cyrus, she’s received her fair share of backlash. Despite her ex-husband seemingly endorsing her new romance and sharing some playful teasing, fans haven’t followed his lead — so now he’s telling them off.

“There is far too much negativity being directed at someone who I love and care about ver much,” Brody, 35, shared on Instagram. “I feel the need to set the story straight. Kaitlynn and I have been best friends for six years, and we continue to be,” he told fans. “We, like many others before us and many after us, grew in different directions over those same six years. Kaitlynn is a wonderful person, beautiful and fun to be with, always a positive force in my life. We decided the best move for both of us was to keep our love for each other strong but move forward separately with our lives.”

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“I respect Kaitlynn and care deeply about her,” he finished. “She deserves to be able to move forward in her life with respect and happiness.” The statement was a touching one — and it clearly had an effect on Kaitlynn, who added a heart in the comments. The post comes two days after the star’s mom, Linda Thompson, also showed Kaitlynn, 30, a little love. Though she’d previously been seen “liking” comments calling her former daughter-in-law “disrespectful,” she later clarified that she had nothing but affection for her.

“For the record, honey, the only ‘shade’ I throw is my own shadow walking away from drama,” Linda, 69, told the young blonde in an Instagram comment. “You know I love you. I always have & always will. 💜 💜” The star also posted an Instagram urging her followers not to judge those around them. “The only people we have a right to judge are our own selves,” she said.

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