Rumors started this fall that Lupita Nyong’o and Joshua Jackson were dating after they each experienced fairly public break ups. Jackson and ex Jodie Turner-Smith, with whom he shares 3-year-old daughter Juno Rose Diana Jackson, filed for divorce in early October, citing “irreconcilable differences.”
“She decided that she is done,” a source told People of Turner-Smith’s reasons for ending the relationship. “It turned into an unhealthy marriage that made her unhappy.”
In mid-October, Nyong’o posted on her Instagram Stories that she was experiencing a “season of heartbreak” after splitting with boyfriend Selema Masekela.
“I find myself in a season of heartbreak because of a love suddenly and devastatingly extinguished by deception,” she wrote. “I am reminded that the magnitude of the pain I am feeling is equal to the measure of my capacity for love. And so, I am choosing to face the pain, cultivating the courage to meet my life exactly as it is, and trusting that this too shall pass.”
The former couple started dating in December 2022.
Since then, Jackson and Nyong’o have been spotted together, sparking romantic rumors, and seemingly confirmed the relationship with some public affection in Joshua Tree, California, this week. Here’s their complete relationship timeline so far.
October 18, 2023
Jackson and Nyong’o were seen with some friends at a Janelle Monáe concert in Inglewood, California. This happened to be the same day that the Black Panther actress confirmed her split with Masekela.
“Joshua has a type and Lupita definitely fits that to a tee,” a source said at the time. “But they are just friends, it is still a little early for Joshua to start dating again. Could he be an item with Lupita down the road? Without question… They are both still going through it with their recent breakups and still are looking to heal.”
December 5, 2023
The pair held hands as they walked in Joshua Tree, California, in photos published by The Daily Mail. She wore a white shirt reading “It’s Okay to Cry” with bright yellow pants, a green beanie, hiking boots, and black sunglasses. Jackson was also in a white long-sleeved shirt, beige pants, sneakers, a gray beanie, and brown sunglasses.
A source stated that their friendship had become a “romance.”
“Things have slowly turned to romance between the two,” said the insider. “They have been amazing friends for a long time and Josh didn’t want to ruin that. But as they’ve hung out more and more and dealt with their breakups, dealing with it together has added another level to their friendship. Now it is a physical relationship. They are a couple.”
Aimée Lutkin is the weekend editor at ELLE.com. Her writing has appeared in Jezebel, Glamour, Marie Claire and more. Her first book, The Lonely Hunter, will be released by Dial Press in February 2022.