Lupita Nyong’o addresses Janelle Monae romance rumor

3 Min Read
Lupita Nyong'o and Janelle Monรกe Premiere Of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" - Red Carpet
Actress Lupita Nyong'o (L) and recording artist Janelle Monรกe attend the World Premiere of ย“Star Wars: The Force Awakensย” at the Dolby, El Capitan, and TCL Theatres on December 14, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)
ย 
Published by
BANG Showbiz English
ย 
ย 

Lupita Nyongโ€™o โ€œdoesnโ€™t mindโ€ rumours she dated Janelle Monae.

The โ€˜Black Pantherโ€™ actress has addressed speculation she dated her close friend โ€“ who she first met at the 2014 Met Gala โ€“ and admitted she can see why the rumours started in the first place.

She told Rolling Stone magazine: โ€œShe has magnetism that they were obviously picking up on. She is that enigmatic.

โ€œI was not surprised. And I donโ€™t mind being associated with her in any capacity.โ€

โ€˜Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mysteryโ€™ star Janelle came out as pansexual in 2018, while Lupita is currently dating boyfriend Selema Masekela.

She hailed his BFF as someone who is โ€œextremely giftedโ€ and instinctively draws people in on screen.

She added: โ€œSheโ€™s extremely gifted. Itโ€™s built into her spirit. Her openness creates intimacy onscreen.

โ€œItโ€™s really cool to see her move from one thing to another and do it with such mastery.โ€

Their friendship goes back nine years to that night at the Met Gala, with Lupita having just won an Oscar for best supporting actress in recognition of her role in โ€™12 Years A Slaveโ€™.

She reflected: โ€œThis world is still extremely new to me and unbelievable. [Janelle] came up to me and just gave me the realest hug.

โ€œI think we may have swayed to the music. She was just like, โ€˜Iโ€™m so proud of you, and just thank you for being you.โ€™ โ€

While sometimes celebrity interactions can be fleeting and lacking in sincerity, Janelle urged Lupita to stay in touch as she gave the star her number and insisted she was there for her.

Despite the bond they share, the actress admitted she doesnโ€™t โ€œknow everythingโ€ about her friend.

She said: โ€œJust because youโ€™re a close friend of hers doesnโ€™t mean you get to know everything about her. I think thatโ€™s what makes her interesting as an artist.โ€


  • Travis Kelce described himself as โ€œa guy that canโ€™t really read that wellโ€ [Celebitchy]
  • Andrew Scott is serving it in a cropped, sleeveless top. [Go Fug Yourself]
  • Nip/Tuck and Fantastic Four star Julian McMahon has passed away at 56. [Boy Culture]
  • The cable company founded by Dr. Evil, er, Dr. Phil, has filed for bankruptcy. [Pajiba]
  • Frankie Grande is set to perform at the 2025 Attitude PRIDE Awards Europe. [Kenneth in the 212]