Lupita Nyong'o Opens Up About Those Rumors She Dated Janelle Monáe

Even before Janelle Monáe came out as pansexual in 2018, fans have had an interest in her love life, with one of the more prominent rumors being that she dated close friend Lupita Nyong’o at some point in the not-too-distant past.

As part of a recent cover story on Monáe for Rolling Stone, Nyong’o talked about their nearly decade-long friendship, and her feelings on the rumors that it was once something more.

“She has magnetism that they were obviously picking up on. She is that enigmatic,” the Black Panther star said. “People are curious about enigmatic people. I was not surprised. And I don’t mind being associated with her in any capacity.”

It isn’t the blatant confirmation or denial that some may have wanted, but there’s something special about Nyong’o, who has not publicly defined her sexuality but currently has a boyfriend, not feeling the need to shut down any speculation.

Her response also goes hand-in-hand with how Monáe herself prefers to handle public perception of her love life.

“I have a policy and agreement with myself — that is a part of my life that I want to keep private,” they told Rolling Stone in the same piece. “I can talk about my identity, I can talk about my sexuality. I can talk about all things Janelle Monáe without having to go into detail. You know what I mean? It’s not necessary.”

Considering Monáe has always been known for keeping an air of mystery about her, this all tracks quite well, something even those closest to her can apparently attest to.

“Just because you’re a close friend of hers doesn’t mean you get to know everything about her,” Nyong’o said. “I think that’s what makes her interesting as an artist.”