Is Angelina Jolie dating British rapper Akala? The rumors are far from the truth. Multiple sources quickly shut down reports that the two are in a relationship after the Daily Mail ran photos of them together in Venice. Turns out, they are simply longtime friends.
In fact, Akala is actually dating Chanelle Newman, with whom Jolie is also close. Newman was even traveling with Akala and Jolie in Italy, but was meticulously cropped out of paparazzi photos.
![london, england june 24 akala attends the uk premiere of supacell at odeon luxe west end on june 24, 2024 in london, england photo by joe mahergetty images](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/gettyimages-2159035704-66d1f190420b8.jpg?resize=980:* ""Supacell" UK Premiere - Arrivals")
According to People, “[Jolie] and Akala are not dating. She is friends with him and his partner, Chanelle, who was also there.” That source added that Jolie is single and currently not seeing anyone.
Jolie and Akala have known each other for years, a second source told the outlet. “They share the same passion when it comes to social and humanitarian causes,” that insider said. “They did several collabs over the years that focus on global issues like human rights. Angie speaks very highly of him.”
Jolie is currently in Italy for the Venice Film Festival and attended the premiere of her film Maria there last night. In the biopic, the actress plays the titular role of opera singer Maria Callas. During a press conference earlier that day, Jolie touched on how she relates to her character’s life story.
“Well, there’s a lot I won’t say in this room that you probably know or assume,” she began. “I think the way I related to her was probably the part of her that is extremely soft and doesn’t have room in the world to be as soft as she was, as emotionally open as she truly was…I share her vulnerability more than anything.”
In October 2024, the rumors were denied again by a source speaking with People, reiterating Jolie is “close friends with Akala and his partner.”
They added Chanelle “has also been at every event” Jolie and Akala have been to as well, saying, “They all work together. Angelina remains focused on her family and is not dating at this time.”
Alyssa is the Senior News and Strategy Editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage of celebrities and royals (particularly Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton). She previously held positions at InStyle and Cosmopolitan. When she’s not working, she loves running around Central Park, making people take #OOTD pics of her, and exploring New York City.