Lupita Nyong'o is "not surprised" and also not mad about speculation she has been romantically linked to singer and actor Janelle Monáe.
While talking to Rolling Stone about Monáe for a feature on the nonbinary artist, Nyong'o shared of the relationship rumors:
"She has magnetism that they were obviously picking up on."
"She is enigmatic. People are curious about enigmatic people."
"I was not surprised."
"And I don't mind being associated with her in any capacity.
Nyong'o revealed the two first met at the 2014 Met Gala after Nyong'o's Oscar-winning performance in 12 Years a Slave.
\u201cAs a musician, writer, and actor, @JanelleMonae has parlayed their triple-threat achievements into culture-shifting, Black feminist, pro-queer stances.\n\nAhead of their new album next month, they're also Rolling Stone's latest cover star.\n\nStory/Photos: https://t.co/eUQEvOXFXP\u201d— Rolling Stone (@Rolling Stone) 1684760533
She told Rolling Stone:
“This world is still extremely new to me and unbelievable. [Monáe] came up to me and just gave me the realest hug."
"I think we may have swayed to the music. She was just like, ‘I’m so proud of you, and just thank you for being you'."
"At some point, [Monáe] asked me for my phone, put her number in, and said, ‘Let’s stay in touch.’ She was like, ‘I really mean it. If you need anything, I’m here for you'.”
You can hear more of what the Black Panther star had to say below.
\u201cLupita Nyong'o is opening up about her relationship with her famously private BFF, Janelle Mon\u00e1e. Watch to hear more!\u201d— E! News (@E! News) 1684865729
People on social media commended Nyong'o for her insightful response.
\u201cLupita Nyong'o had the most beautiful response to people shipping her with Janelle Monae \ud83d\ude2d\u201d— Kat Tenbarge (@Kat Tenbarge) 1684783110
\u201c@kattenbarge I'm sure she wasn't surprised with all the caressing & holding onto each other's bodies that they did every time they saw each other. Lupita's slick though, talking about how enigmatic Janelle is; but then slides in "Associate me with her in any compacity." Oh, we all will. \ud83d\ude0b\u201d— Kat Tenbarge (@Kat Tenbarge) 1684783110
\u201ci also LOVE how Lupita responded to rumors of her and Janelle being together. \n\nthe perfect \u201cmind ya business\u201d response \ud83d\ude02\u201d— lil miss mamas (@lil miss mamas) 1684771969
And several commented the duo together in any capacity is 🔥.
\u201c@citizentvkenya Those are two powerful ladies\u201d— Citizen TV Kenya (@Citizen TV Kenya) 1684869444
\u201c@sapphicslike Please censor these pictures they\u2019re too stunning \ud83d\ude2d /j\u201d— sapphics like (@sapphics like) 1684364717
\u201c@CNN I love both of them so IDC \ud83e\udd74\ud83e\udd74\u2764\ufe0f\u2764\ufe0f\u2764\ufe0fDaughter of our soil, Lupita.\u201d— CNN (@CNN) 1684861366
\u201c@CNN Well, when you have that much talent and beauty in one room, it's easy to see why people might think sparks were flying! But no, Lupita and Janelle are just two incredible women supporting each other in their artistic endeavors.\u201d— CNN (@CNN) 1684861366
\u201cIf Lupita dated or smashed Janelle Mon\u00e1e, as a country we are happy.\u201d— MkenyaDaima | Bongani\ud83c\uddff\ud83c\udde6 | Mamba \ud83c\uddf9\ud83c\uddff | \u20bf (@MkenyaDaima | Bongani\ud83c\uddff\ud83c\udde6 | Mamba \ud83c\uddf9\ud83c\uddff | \u20bf) 1684908295
Nyong'o also told Rolling Stone while the two are close, she doesn't "know" all about Monáe.
"Just because you're a close friend of hers doesn't mean you get to know everything about her."
"I think that's what makes her interesting as an artist."
It seems as if that's intentional, as Monáe told the magazine:
"I have a policy and agreement with myself that is a part of my life that I want to keep private."
"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."
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The Washington Post