Janelle Monáe Explains Why She Doesn’t Discuss Their Love Life: “It’s Not Necessary”

Romance rumors between Monáe and Thompson first began swirling in April 2015 when Thompson made a cameo as a backup dancer in the singer’s “Yoga” music video. The following month, the two attended the 2015 MOCA Gala together, and speculation later intensified when they starred as lovers in the “emotion picture” version of Monáe’s “Dirty Computer.”

Speaking to Porter Edit in June 2018, Thompson addressed the dating rumors, saying, “It’s tricky, because Janelle and I are just really private people and we’re both trying to navigate how you reconcile wanting to have that privacy and space, and also wanting to use your platform and influence.”

Thompson added, “We love each other deeply. We’re so close, we vibrate on the same frequency. If people want to speculate about what we are, that’s okay. It doesn’t bother me.” Thompson’s comments led many to believe she had confirmed their romantic relationship, but she later clarified in a tweet: “I didn’t say I was in a relationship. But I said lots of other things.”

The longtime friends and frequent collaborators sparked romance rumors in April 2021 when they were spotted cozying up to each other during a trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. In photos published by Page Six at the time, the two musicians were seen hugging and kissing while on a yacht, though neither ever publicly commented on their relationship status.

In Monáe’s May 2023 Rolling Stone interview, the reporter noted that Wonder was at Monáe’s home during one meeting, and Wonder is mentioned throughout as working with them.