By Jessica Wedemeyer
1:38pm PDT, Oct 3, 2021
Wonderwall.com is taking a look back at the stars who found love, suffered heartbreak or experienced some other major event in their love lives in late September 2021, starting with this long-time couple… During an interview with GQ that debuted online on Sept. 27, Will Smith briefly acknowledged that he and wife Jada Pinkett Smith have — or have had in the past — an open marriage: "Jada never believed in conventional marriage," he said. "Jada had family members that had an unconventional relationship. So she grew up in a way that was very different than how I grew up. There were significant endless discussions about, what is relational perfection? What is the perfect way to interact as a couple? And for the large part of our relationship, monogamy was what we chose, not thinking of monogamy as the only relational perfection. We have given each other trust and freedom, with the belief that everybody has to find their own way. And marriage for us can't be a prison. And I don't suggest our road for anybody. I don't suggest this road for anybody. But the experiences that the freedoms that we've given one another and the unconditional support, to me, is the highest definition of love." While the A-list actor didn't get into the specifics regarding their arrangement, GQ notes that he "delicately explained" that, after Jada admitted in mid-2020 that she had a romantic "entanglement" with family friend August Alsina during a period of separation from Will, the public "could have walked away thinking that Jada was the only one engaging in other sexual relationships," however, "that was not … in fact the case." That wasn't the only big bombshell from the wide-ranging interview…
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During his wide-ranging interview with GQ, Will Smith revealed that there was a point in his life during which, as the magazine put it, "if he could have [had] anything in the world, he'd want a harem of girlfriends" including actress Halle Berry and ballerina Misty Copeland. "The idea of traveling with 20 women that I loved and took care of and all of that, it seemed like a really great idea," he said, adding that an intimacy coach ultimately helped him realize "that would be horrific." Explained the A-list actor, "[The intimacy coach] was essentially cleaning out my mind, letting it know it was OK to be me and be who I was. It was OK to think Halle is fine. It doesn't make me a bad person that I'm married and I think Halle is beautiful. Whereas in my mind, in my Christian upbringing, even my thoughts were sins. That was really the process that [the coach] worked me through to let me realize that my thoughts were not sins and even acting on an impure thought didn't make me a piece of s***."
Now keep reading for more of the week's biggest celeb love life updates…
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Where there's smoke, there's fire, right?! Although they reportedly arrived separately, Angelina Jolie and The Weeknd were snapped leaving Giorgio Baldi restaurant in Santa Monica, California, at the same time on Sept. 25, further fueling recent rumors that they're an item. (According to DailyMail.com, they shared a ride in the same car back to his home in the Los Angeles area.) It's the third time since late June that they've been seen together. It's unclear, however, if they're dating or if their recent hangouts are simply overblown business meetings. (That wouldn't explain that July concert, though, would it?!) Insisted an E! News source, "They are not dating. They have mutual interests and are enjoying putting their ideas together to see what they can come up with. They have been recently talking about partnering on a few humanitarian projects together. He loves talking about movies and the art form." The insider added that the pair have been "enjoying each other's company" and that The Weeknd has been "enjoying getting to know [Angelina] and feels they have a formed a close bond." Echoed a second E! source, "The Weeknd and Angelina met through mutual friends in the film and entertainment industry. They have a lot in common. They totally hit it off after their first meeting earlier this summer and have kept in touch ever since."
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Getting serious! Jake Gyllenhaal and his girlfriend of around three years, Jeanne Cadieu, finally made their red carpet debut as a couple at the New York Film Festival premiere of "The Lost Daughter" — his sister Maggie Gyllenhaal's feature film directorial debut — in New York City on Sept. 29. (The long-term couple — who've never been photographed together in an official capacity before — posed with the actress-filmmaker and her hubby of more than a decade, Peter Sarsgaard, on the red carpet.) Jake and Jeanne, who's 15 years his junior, were first linked in late 2018. She reportedly started spending time with his family back in 2019. (It was actually a huge week for celeb couples' red carpet debuts — more on that later!)
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On Sept. 27, MailOnline reported that Emma Watson is dating Brandon Green — the son of controversial British billionaire Sir Philip Green, who's been accused of everything from sexual harassment and racism to tax evasion and workers' rights violations — after quietly splitting from her boyfriend of two years, Leo Robinton, earlier this year. "Over the summer Brandon has been wooing Emma. She's into him but has kept it secret as no one knows that things have cooled with Leo," said a source. "She's been spending a lot of time with Brandon. He's really kind to her and she enjoys his company. We are surprised that no one has realized that they were together. Brandon and Leo look similar. She certainly has a type." Another source told The Daily Mail that the former child star and the 28-year-old socialite, who runs an arm of his father's expansive business empire, "are an item," though the actress "hasn't met [his] family yet." Earlier this year, Emma and former love Leo sparked rumors that they'd gotten engaged.
What did she mean by that?! On Sept. 30 — three days after Page Six broke the news that Bachelor Nation's Clare Crawley and Dale Moss recently called it quits again, the California-based hairstylist took to Instagram to vaguely address the news: "I hate that I even have to say this, but in response to all the questions that are coming my way right now… I'm choosing not to speak right now on the details of my relationship, because at the end of the day anyone can put on an ACT or throw words together to form any narrative they want. What I will speak on is emotionally and physically I'm going through a lot with healing from my recent surgery still, and my mother being placed on hospice care now. … I am just thankful for the people in my life who offer genuine unconditional love with no personal gain, and stand by me through thick and thin. ESPECIALLY WHEN THE CAMERAS ARE OFF with no accolades. Actions speak for themselves." Curiously, she initially tagged another Bachelor Nation star, Abigail Heringer — who competed for Matt James's heart on season 25 of "The Bachelor" and currently stars on the seventh season of "Bachelor in Paradise" — in the post. Several fans noticed the tag before she removed it … and jumped to the conclusion that it had something to do with a blind item posted by Deux Moi the previous evening. "A Bachelor favorite hooked up with a Bachelor Nation recent 'winner' who 'may or may not have been' on a break earlier this year. [She] is on 'Paradise' right now, but producers won't mess up her good-girl edit," read the blind, which a second anonymous source later echoed. So is Clare saying Dale cheated on her with Abigail? Sure seems like it! Clare and Dale briefly split earlier this year after getting engaged on season 16 of "The Bachelorette" just two weeks into their relationship. (Clare's note about how "anyone can put on an ACT or throw words together to form any narrative they want" seems to be a reference to how Dale released a statement the first time they split … without consulting her first.) While a People magazine source described the latest breakup — which reportedly went down "two weeks ago" — as "mutual," a Page Six source said that things "didn't end well" between the off-and-on couple, who are done "for good" this time. An Us Weekly source, meanwhile, had this explanation for what went wrong: "They have different visions and wedding planning wasn't happening which made Clare really upset. She wants to be in Sacramento to be close to her family, especially her mom who isn't well. Dale wants to remain in New York. They will still support each other and have love for each other no matter what." So much for those rumors they secretly tied the knot earlier this year!
On Sept. 25, former "The Real Housewives of Orange County" star Meghan King took to Instagram to introduce her new boyfriend: Los Angeles-based attorney Cuffe Biden Owens, who happens to be President Joe Biden's nephew. "Trying my best to avoid any cheesy introductions like 'my main squeeze' … so just meet my man," she captioned a sweet shot of herself embracing her beau. It's unclear how long they've been an item — or when the reality star split from her last boyfriend, Will Roos, whom she debuted on Instagram in January.
During a Sept. 28 appearance on Andy Cohen's SiriusXM show "Radio Andy," Jennifer Aniston said that she's not currently dating because "there hasn't been time" lately. She is, however, ready to get back out there: "No one of importance has hit my radar yet, but I think it's time. I think I'm ready to share myself with another," she said. "I didn't want to [date] for a long time, and I loved really being my own woman without being a part of a couple. I've been part of a couple since I was 20, so there was something really nice about taking the time." She went on to say that the first kiss is "pretty important" when determining compatibility. Also important? "The ease at which the conversation flows the first time — that's kind of a good indicator," she said. She then listed the other qualities she admires in a partner: "Confidence, but not a cockiness. Humor, please, I beg of you. Generous, kind to people. Very few necessities required," she said, adding that "fitness is important [but] not just about how you look." Joked the "Friends" alum, "I want to be around here for a long time and not be in a wheelchair when I'm 80."
On Sept. 29, People magazine shed some light on how Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck will make their relationship work as they're forced to spend some time apart due to work commitments in different countries this fall. (She's working on a movie in Canada, while he's shooting a film in Texas.) "They will see each other when they can. … They are making it work," said a source, adding that the Oscar winner "wanted to be by [Jennifer's] side" when she performed at Global Citizen Live in New York City on Sept. 25. "They are always supportive of each other's careers, and Jennifer was very excited to have Ben [there]," continued the source. "[They] both gush about each other. … Jennifer is as protective of Ben as he is of her. She is the happiest that she has been in a long time."
On Sept. 28, E! News broke the news that former "The Real Housewives of Orange County" star Vicki Gunvalson and her fiancé of more than two years, Steve Lodge, recently called it quits, and according to one E! insider, it was the aspiring politician who ultimately threw in the towel. "Steve ended things with Vicki," said the source. Another insider alleged that the pair initially split in June and then briefly attempted to reconcile. "[They'd] been living separately for much of the pandemic. … Steve had been living like he was a single man in Puerto Vallarta [in Mexico], while Vicki was in the U.S.," said the second source. Later, Us Weekly reported that, according to a source, the former reality star is "still a mess" and "not OK" in the wake of the breakup. "She's in terrible shape. She still loves him," said the source. "They had not been getting along for a long time. He seemed disinterested in her for a very long time. … Steve broke up with Vicki while she was filming the ['Real Housewives'] spinoff show in the Berkshires. After he told her this, she was traumatized. It ruined her. She didn't want to be [on set] anymore." A second Us Weekly source insisted that "Steve and Vicki's relationship did not involve any fighting" and that they broke up because he was "spending more time in Mexico," while she's "working at her business, Coto Insurance, in California." On Sept. 29, Vicki took to Instagram to confirm the breakup news, writing, "Yes, the rumors are true. The time has come for Steve and I to move forward or move on and we are …. moving on. There is no fault with either person, we are just going in different directions. I wish him the best life has to offer and to be happy, and he has wished the same for me. I gave it my all, but sometimes the 'ALL' isn't enough." The pair were set to tie the knot in April 2020 but postponed their nuptials amid the coronavirus pandemic. When they were hit with breakup rumors in late 2020, Vicki insisted everything between them was fine.
Marc Anthony debuted his new girlfriend, Madu Nicola, at the Billboard Latin Music Awards in Coral Gables, Florida, on Sept. 23. It's unclear how long they've been an item.
On Sept. 23 — following weeks of whispers that Sofia Richie and her boyfriend of several months, Elliot Grainge, had quietly called it quits — the model took to Instagram to casually prove they're still an item. She shared a mirror selfie with her beau in a dressing room that she captioned with a simple black heart emoji.
Kelly Clarkson is one step closer to becoming officially single! According to Us Weekly, on Sept. 24, a judge signed off on the "American Idol" alum's request for a bifurcation in her extremely expensive divorce from talent manager-turned-rancher Brandon Blackstock: On Jan. 7, 2022, their marriage will officially conclude in the eyes of the law. In the meantime, the former couple will continue duking it out in court over their finances.
Lena Dunham and her boyfriend of less than a year, Peruvian English musician Attawalpa (real name: Luis Felber), tied the knot at the members-only Union Club in London on Sept. 25 following a secret engagement of just a month. According to Vogue, the "Girls" star donned three custom Christopher Kane gowns on her wedding day, during which famous friends Taylor Swift and Tommy Dorfman were among the nine bridesmaids. Later, Luis told The New York Times that he and Lena met in January after a mutual friend set them up on a blind date. "I think when you know, you know. … When you find your soul mate, you just know," he said of their whirlwind romance. "I love my wife, who is also my best friend," he added.
On Sept. 24, Page Six broke the news that after more than three years of coupledom, Grimes and Elon Musk recently ended the romantic aspect of their relationship. The SpaceX and Tesla magnate later confirmed the breakup news, telling the New York Post's gossip column, "We are semi-separated but still love each other, see each other frequently and are on great terms. It's mostly that my work at SpaceX and Tesla requires me to be primarily in Texas or traveling overseas and her work is primarily in Los Angeles. She's staying with me now and Baby X is in the adjacent room." The duo welcomed son X Æ A-Xii in May 2020.
In other Instagram debut news… Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson made her relationship of about six months with 20-year-old college student Dralin Carswell Instagram official on Sept. 28 — though she later removed her post amid backlash over their age difference. (She's 16, which is the legal age of consent in Georgia, where they both live.) "Spooky season," she captioned the since-deleted shot of herself and her beau holding hands while rocking matching mummy T-shirts and posing together at what appeared to be a pumpkin patch. (Alana previously shared this selfie with Dralin on her private Facebook account.)
Did they or didn't they?! On Sept. 29, In Touch reported that, according to a source, Krysten Ritter and The War on Drugs frontman Adam Granduciel recently "ended their seven-year relationship." The tabloid's alleged insider claims that the long-term couple "remain on amicable terms" as they "continue to co-parent their son," Bruce Julian Knight. Curiously, Us Weekly later published and then quickly unpublished a story about the alleged split, indicating there's a possibly In Touch is wildly off base regarding the breakup news. Later, DailyMail.com reported that a source close to the actress said that the InTouch report is "not true" and that she and the rocker are "still together."
On the Sept. 27 episode of "Jimmy Kimmel Live," 29-year-old "The Good Doctor" star and former child actor Freddie Highmore revealed that he quietly "got married" earlier this year. "I'm married to a very wonderful woman now," he said, adding that he feels "very happy," though he hasn't quite adjusted to calling his mystery bride his "wife" yet. "I just still can't get over the terminology and the vocab — like, a 'married man' just sounds very old and 'my wife' sounds very possessive," he said. "We don't really use that yet, but we just point to the rings and be like, 'Here, look, make or draw your own conclusions.'" He has not publicly revealed the lucky lady's identity, though he confirmed that she's also British.
Just last month, Lil Nas X said that he'd "found someone special" whom he thought could be "the one," but during a Sept. 29 appearance on Andy Cohen's SiriusXM show, "Radio Andy," he revealed he's back on the market. "I was seeing someone, [but] I kind of decided I didn't want to anymore," he said, adding that "there are definitely a couple of people" pursuing him but that he's not looking for anything serious at the moment. "I don't think I want any guy right now," he said. "Maybe I'm floating around right now. I just want to work on music and every now and then maybe I'll kiss a guy every blue moon."
"Summer House" co-stars Kyle Cooke and Amanda Batula tied the knot in the backyard of her family home in Hillsborough, New Jersey, on Sept. 25. According to Page Six, a Bravo camera crew was on hand during the nuptials, indicating the wedding may appear on the newlyweds' reality show. "It was an emotional and beautiful ceremony," said a source. The pair, who got engaged in mid-2018, originally intended to tie the knot in September 2020 but were forced to push their wedding date multiple times amid the coronavirus pandemic.
On Sept. 27, a rep for Miguel and his wife of three years, Nazanin Mandi, told People magazine that "after 17 years together, [they] have decided to separate." The rep added that the pair "have been [separated] for some time now" and "both wish each other well." They dated for a decade before getting engaged on New Year's Eve in 2015. They finally tied the knot in late 2018.
On Sept. 27, Us Weekly published a statement from Morgan Willett announcing that she and "The Challenge" star Johnny "Bananas" Devenanzio "are no longer together." Said the "Big Brother" alum, "While I feel heartbroken, I'm thankful to know the truth. Johnny is someone I loved and respected very much and so I will be taking some time to heal and process it all." People magazine later reported that, according to a source, Morgan "is not in a good headspace" in the wake of a breakup. "It's very sad how this ultimately had to end. But she's a strong, wonderful person and will pick up the pieces in time," said the source. On Sept. 29, Johnny told E! news, "I think we're both really going through it right now and I wish her all the best and I'll just leave it at that." He and Morgan first connected in late 2018 while shooting "The Challenge: War of the Worlds."
On Sept. 24, "Younger" actress Molly Bernard took to Instagram to announce that she and Hannah Lieberman recently tied the knot at the Boathouse in Prospect Park in New York City. "WIVES! Perfect day, perfect party. … WHAT A SURREAL JOY TO BE MARRIED TO MY TREASURE!" she captioned a wedding photo. The duo announced their engagement in January 2020.
A rep for E11EVEN Miami told Wonderwall.com that Josie Canseco was on hand as G-Eazy celebrated his new album, "These Things Happen Too," at the Miami-based hotspot on Sept. 25. The duo, who were first linked in late February, allegedly "showed up hand-in-hand." After performing at the nightclub, the rapper "danced with Josie and partied with his crew" well into the early morning hours. After they sparked romance rumors earlier this year, the model insisted through her rep that she and G were just "old friends." Perhaps something has changed since then!
On Sept. 28, Page Six reported that, according to a source, Ansel Elgort and off-and-on love Violetta Komyshan are "together but not" and that things between them are "complicated." Back in May, there were rumors that the "Fault in our Stars" actor and the ballerina, who were high school sweethearts, had called it quits again.
On Sept. 25 — a month after Rosalía was seen holding hands with rapper Rauw Alejandro during a night out in Los Angeles — she made their relationship Instagram official. The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter shared a slideshow of photos from her 28th birthday party including this selfie. "BlisssssSSSS," she wrote in the caption.
On Sept. 29, Brides magazine exclusively reported that "Lucifer" and "Imposters" star Inbar Lavi married her love of two years, Dan Bar Shira, at Al Hayam in Sdot Yam in their native Israel on Sept. 13. According to the bride, who donned multiple gowns throughout the day, the theme of the beach-set wedding was "Tulum meets Burning Man."
After four years of coupledom, Bad Bunny and his girlfriend — jewelry designer, model and singer Gabriela Berlingeri — finally made their official red carpet debut as a couple at the Billboard Latin Music Awards in Coral Gables, Florida, on Sept. 23. They reportedly started dating in 2017 after meeting at a restaurant in Puerto Rico.
During an interview with L'Officiel Hommes magazine that debuted online on Sept. 28, Maluma reflected on the wild rumors from earlier this year that he and Kim Kardashian had started dating in the wake of her split from Kanye West. "We are good friends. We don't talk that often, but yeah, we are good friends and we always wish the best for each other," he said of the reality star, speculating that the romance rumors kicked off "maybe because she was getting her divorce and everything." He added that "people just started talking" about the nature of their relationship after they were seen together at a Dior fashion show in late 2019 … even though her older sister, Kourtney Kardashian, was also on hand at the time. "I met her for the first time there," he said.
Tom Brady has opened up in the past about how a mutual friend set him up with Gisele Bundchen back in late 2006, but during an interview with WSJ. Magazine that debuted online on Sept. 28, he revealed that the supermodel sent him to voicemail the first time he called her about getting together. "I think the one phone call that changed my life was my friend Ed, who called me one day and he said, 'I have this girl and I think you should call her,'" recalled the football star. "I ended up calling her and it ended up being the love of my life. … She didn't pick up, actually. I had to leave a voicemail." They've been married for more than a decade now.
According to People magazine, which published exclusive wedding photos, "Army Wives" actress Elle McLemore married tennis pro Josh Levinson at Restoration Oaks — a 950-acre ranch near Santa Barbara, California — on Sept. 25. They were engaged for five years before they finally made it to the altar. "We've been best friends since we were 11 years old," said the groom. "We grew up together and I've been in love with her ever since we were kids. Although I had to dig myself out of that treacherous friend zone! But she's always been the love of my life. She's just my best friend and every level we are just perfect." Said the bride, "It's hard to find somebody that you really want to spend forever with. And when you find that person, you don't want to let them go. He's my rock."
