One of New York City's most prominent social media influencers has announced her engagement to her long-term boyfriend, marking a significant milestone in their relationship that was once rocked by a very public love triangle scandal. Halley Kate McGookin, aged 25, took to her social media platforms on Friday to share the joyous news with her millions of dedicated followers, showcasing a stunning marquise-cut diamond ring set on a delicate gold band.
From Zurich Proposal to Online Celebration
The special moment occurred during a romantic trip to Zurich, Switzerland, where McGookin's fiancé, Reed Williams, a finance analyst originally from Wisconsin, got down on one knee to propose. In a heartfelt TikTok video that quickly captured the attention of her audience, McGookin appeared utterly smitten as she tried on the elegant ring, sharing kisses with Williams and beaming with happiness. Her simple caption, 'Thx Reed,' accompanied the clip, while she further elaborated on her wedding plans in subsequent posts.
McGookin emphasised her desire for a low-key celebration, telling fans she does not want a traditional wedding. Instead, she hinted at a chic courthouse elopement, promising to serve stylish looks for the occasion. This announcement comes as a surprise to many who have followed the couple's tumultuous journey over the past two years.
A Tumultuous Past and Public Drama
Many followers were quick to recall the bitter love triangle that made headlines in 2023, when McGookin and Williams briefly split after nine months of dating. During their separation, Williams allegedly became involved with another New York City influencer, Sophia La Corte, who was previously considered a friend within the tight-knit Big Apple socialite scene. The situation escalated into a very public feud, with McGookin tearfully revealing the breakup to her fans online.
La Corte responded with a series of posts that seemed to mock McGookin, defending her right to date a single man. In one particularly viral video from 2024, La Corte delivered the now-infamous line, 'I'm so sorry, I didn't know you owned him, he wasn't wearing a collar.' McGookin's friends and family reacted fiercely, branding La Corte with the derogatory nickname 'Little ginger b***h.'
At the time, McGookin expressed deep pain over the situation, stating she had 'truly never felt the pain like this' and condemned what she described as 'homie hopping.' She claimed La Corte had taken advantage of her vulnerability by messaging Williams after seeing her breakup posts. La Corte, however, insisted in a three-part explanation that everyone involved was single with no overlap, placing responsibility on Williams for any loyalty owed.
Moving Forward and Fan Reactions
Despite the intense public scrutiny and online furor, McGookin and Williams managed to reconcile and rebuild their relationship. They now reside together in a stylish apartment in Tribeca, having evidently put the past drama behind them. The engagement announcement has been met with an outpouring of support from McGookin's followers, who flooded her comments with congratulatory messages.
Fans expressed their elation, with one writing, 'YAYYYY so excited for you too!! Shout out to you for ignoring the haters when you knew Reed was your person.' Another commented, 'Took him long enough to realize you actually are the one he wants to be with forever. Congratulations girl wishing you a marriage full of resilience and happiness.' A fourth added, 'This is such a statement and I love it so much. Congrats, Halley!! SO happy for you two.'
However, the memory of the viral drama has not faded entirely. Several users referenced the love triangle in their comments, with one noting, 'Ginger head is probably dying,' and another speculating, 'I just know that little ginger b is going to try to make this about her.' Others questioned the swift progression from uncertainty to engagement, with a comment reading, 'Genuinely just wondering how did her man go from I'm not sure you're the love of my life to proposing to her?'
As McGookin and Williams embark on this new chapter, their story serves as a reminder of the complexities of modern relationships played out in the public eye. The couple's journey from a very public split and love triangle scandal to a committed engagement highlights their resilience and determination to focus on their future together, away from the online drama that once defined their narrative.
