Amanda Riley’s story is one of deception, heartbreak, and the unraveling of a family at the center of a now-infamous scam. Known to the world as the woman behind the “Scamanda” scandal, Amanda’s fake cancer journey captivated thousands online, but it was her married life with Cory Riley that added an extra layer of intrigue to her tale.
Here’s a deep dive into Amanda’s background, her marriage to Cory, how their relationship began, their family life, and the lingering question: Did Cory know about Amanda’s elaborate fraud?
Amanda Riley rose to prominence as a California-based Christian blogger and mother of two, chronicling her supposed battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma on her blog, “Lymphoma Can Suck It.” Her candid posts, photos of hospital visits, and emotional updates drew in an outpouring of support from friends, strangers, and even celebrities.
Over eight years, she organized fundraisers and collected over $100,000 in donations, all under the guise of funding her cancer treatment. The shocking truth emerged years later: Amanda had never been diagnosed with cancer. In 2022, she was convicted of wire fraud and sentenced to five years in prison.
How Amanda Met Her Husband, Cory Riley?
The origins of Amanda and Cory’s relationship are as complex as the scam itself. Amanda first entered Cory’s life when she was hired to give dance and cheerleading lessons to Jaymie, the immunocompromised daughter of Cory’s then-wife, Aletta Bernal. At the time, Cory was still married to Aletta, and Amanda was only 17.
The Riley and Bernal families were brought together by Jaymie’s leukemia diagnosis, which required her to stay home for her safety. Amanda’s role as a cheer coach soon brought her closer to the family.
After Cory and Aletta divorced, Cory and Amanda’s relationship turned romantic, despite a 12-year age difference. Their bond grew, and they eventually married, blending their families and starting a new chapter together.
Amanda Riley and Cory’s Married Life
Amanda and Cory’s marriage was, at least outwardly, a partnership built on mutual support. Amanda often blogged about Cory being her “rock,” describing how he accompanied her to doctor’s appointments and stood by her side through every supposed treatment. The couple had two sons together, Carter and Connor, and for years, they presented the image of a strong, united family battling adversity.
In reality, their marriage was unfolding against the backdrop of Amanda’s growing deception. Friends, family, and the broader online community watched as Amanda’s story became more elaborate, with Cory frequently appearing as her steadfast supporter in blog posts and photos.
Family Life: Children and Blended Bonds
The Riley family was a blended one. Cory brought his daughter Jessa from his first marriage, and Amanda became a stepmother to Jessa and Jaymie, Aletta’s older daughter from a previous relationship. Together, Amanda and Cory had two sons, making for a household of four children at various times.
Despite the outward appearance of a close-knit family, cracks began to show as Amanda’s story came under scrutiny. Jessa, Cory’s daughter, later shared on the “Scamanda” podcast that she often felt her father was “not himself” during those years, describing him as numb and detached, always busy with errands and gym visits, while Amanda’s illness dominated family life.
Did Cory Riley Know About the Scam?
One of the most persistent questions in the “Scamanda” saga is whether Cory Riley was aware of Amanda’s fraudulent activities. Throughout Amanda’s years of deception, Cory was consistently portrayed as her unwavering supporter, present at hospital visits and fundraisers, and often referenced in Amanda’s blog as her emotional anchor.
However, Cory has never publicly addressed what he knew or didn’t know about Amanda’s scam. Investigators, podcast producers, and even family members have speculated about his possible awareness. Nancy Moscatiello, the podcast producer who helped bring Amanda’s fraud to light, noted that Cory always seemed supportive and by Amanda’s side, raising questions about his level of involvement. Charlie Webster, host of the “Scamanda” podcast, echoed these doubts, observing that Cory appeared to be “team Amanda through and through,” even as suspicions mounted.
Cory’s daughter Jessa hinted on the podcast that she believed her father might have known more than he let on, recalling his withdrawn demeanor and the constant references to Amanda’s illness as the reason for family limitations. Detective Jose Martinez, who led the investigation, stated that while he felt Cory knew what was going on, there was not enough evidence to prove his involvement beyond a reasonable doubt.
Aftermath: Divorce and Moving On
Amanda’s conviction and prison sentence marked the end of her and Cory’s marriage. In 2024, while Amanda was serving her sentence, Cory filed for divorce and moved to Texas, where he now lives a private life with their two sons. He has avoided public comment and did not participate in media coverage or Amanda’s court proceedings.
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The Legacy of the “Scamanda”
The story of Amanda Riley is a cautionary tale about deception, trust, and the collateral damage of lies. While Amanda’s actions shattered the lives of her supporters and family, the true extent of Cory’s knowledge remains a mystery—one that continues to fascinate and perplex audiences drawn to the scandal. As the “Scamanda” docuseries and podcast reveal, the impact of Amanda’s fraud extended far beyond financial loss, leaving a family forever changed by secrets and suspicion.
