Photos of the 49-year-old “Maleficent” actress with her rumored date have attracted attention online, with some users expressing criticism, including one who referred to the pairing as a “downgrade.”
Rumors of a romantic relationship between Angelina Jolie and British rapper Akala have sparked speculation following their recent public appearances together, with some netizens expressing the view that they may not be a suitable match.
A netizen’s reaction to Angelina Jolie allegedly dating Akala, posted on October 3, 2024 | Source: Facebook.com/UsWeekly
Speculation intensified when Akala attended Angelina’s Atelier Jolie showroom event in New York City, as shown on the fashion house’s Instagram post made on September 29.
Amid the lively atmosphere, one photo captured Angelina engaged in a conversation with artist Mustafa in front of the crowd. Dressed in black, she smiles as she listens to Mustafa, who wears a green traditional outfit and looks down at something in his hands. The graffiti-covered walls behind them add a creative vibe to the setting.
Mustafa and Angelina Jolie discuss in front of guests at Atelier Jolie in New York City, posted in September 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/atelierjolieofficial
Another picture from the event captured Akala paying close attention to the dialogue, looking serious and dressed simply in a black shirt with neat cornrows.
Akala looks serious, listening to the panel discussion at Atelier Jolie in New York City, posted in September 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/atelierjolieofficial
In addition to the discussion, the event featured a special listening party for Mustafa’s debut album, “Dunya.” Several guests attended, enjoying food, drinks, and conversations.
Many fans and netizens quickly began commenting on the potential relationship. One user said, “She’s [sic] looks old enough to be his mother,” referencing the age gap between Angelina and Akala.
Angelina Jolie at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre in New York City on April 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Another defended the rumored pairing, noting Akala’s professional achievements outside of music, which are similar to the Oscar winner’s accomplishments.
A netizen’s comment on the dating rumor between Angelina Jolie and Akala, posted in October 2024 | Source: Facebook.com/UsWeekly
Not everyone responded positively to the rumors. Some found the potential relationship a step back. One commented “Thats [sic] a downgrade of maximum proportions,” while another declared, “Definitely a down grade [sic].” Someone else reiterated the same observation.
A netizen’s comment on Angelina Jolie allegedly dating Akala, posted on October 2, 2024 | Source: Facebook.com/DailyMail
Meanwhile, others expressed support for Angelina.“Happy for her ,” a fan gushed while another simply observed, “She is happy .” However, others remained skeptical. A user suggested that Angelina likely isn’t focused on a relationship at the moment.
A netizen’s suggestion about Angelina Jolie’s main focus in her life, posted on October 3, 2024 | Source: Facebook.com/UsWeekly
Despite the speculation, Us Weekly confirmed on October 2 that they are not dating. A source reportedly told the magazine, “They are just friends.”
Akala arrives at the MOBO Awards nominations launch in London, England, on September 8, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
Akala’s appearance at Angelina’s showroom followed his attendance at the “Maria” film premiere, also in New York City earlier that same month. Angelina graced the event with her two children, Pax and Zahara.
Angelina Jolie with her children, Pax and Zahara, at the “Maria” premiere in New York City on September 29, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
At one point, Angelina looked joyful as she watched Akala and Pax interact during the 62nd New York Film Festival. The bond between them was evident, as Pax and Akala were later seen sharing a warm embrace.
Akala’s New York appearances at Angelina’s events came just a month after the two were spotted leaving her hotel in Venice, Italy, on August 28, during the Venice International Film Festival. This sighting also sparked various reactions online.
While some netizens expressed excitement about the potential pairing, others were shocked. Skeptical users have also questioned the legitimacy of the rumors, with many finding the idea hard to believe. A netizen expressed their disbelief, “Akala dating Angelina Jolie was not on my 2024 bingo card .”
A day after the duo’s appearance in Italy, People reported on August 29 that Akala has a partner named Chanelle Newman. A source clarified Angelina’s relationship with the couple, “She is friends with him and his partner, Chanelle, who was also there.”
Chanelle Newman at LAVO Ristorante in West Hollywood, California, on February 5, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Rumors of a romance between Akala and Angelina first began circulating in 2023 when Akala joined the actress and her daughters, Zahara and Shiloh at the 15th Calabash International Literary Festival in Jamaica.
Held in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth, the three-day event marked the festival’s return after being canceled in 2020 and 2022 due to COVID-19. The previous festival had last taken place in 2018.
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In December 2023, Angelina and Akala were seen together in Milan while she was filming the movie “Maria Callas.” The pair were accompanied by Pierfrancesco Consalvo, his partner, Anna Ferzetti, and Alba Rohrwacher.
Angelina Jolie and Akala in Milan, from an Instagram post, dated December 26, 2023 | Source: Instagram/oggisettimanale/
Angelina and Akala appeared all smiles and completely at ease, engaging in lively conversation and looking comfortable in each other’s company.
Like Angelina, Akala has made a name for himself. He is a BAFTA and MOBO award-winning hip-hop artist with over 70,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
Akala performs live on stage at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London, England, on April 27, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
His music blends a distinctive mix of rap, rock, and electro-punk, paired with powerful lyrical storytelling influenced by artists such as Saul Williams and Gil Scott-Heron. Besides music, Akala is a writer and social entrepreneur, who co-founded The HipHop Shakespeare Company.
While rumors of a romance between Angelina Jolie and Akala have generated buzz, reports confirm they are simply friends, each continuing to focus on their respective careers.
