By Jessica Wedemeyer
5:26am PST, Jan 26, 2021
Wonderwall.com is taking a look back at the stars who found love, suffered heartbreak or experienced some other major event in their love lives in January 2021, starting with this duo… On Jan. 24, multiple media outlets reported that longtime pals and neighbors Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker recently took their relationship to the next level. "They've been dating for about a month or two. They've been friends for a long time but it's turned romantic. … Travis has liked her for a while," said a People magazine source. Echoed an Us Weekly source, "Kourtney and Travis are officially a couple. They have been close friends for years and have been dating for a couple months. Travis is very smitten with Kourtney and has been for a while." Chimed in an "Entertainment Tonight" insider, "Kourtney and Travis have had a platonic relationship for years and they've been friends and family friends for a very long time, but recently something sparked and their relationship has turned romantic. They live on the same block and things are super easy between them because they know each other so well and just click and get one another. Her kids and his kids get along so well too, which is a major plus for both of them." The duo, who've been seen together countless times over the years, sparked romance rumors when they took to Instagram on Jan. 22 and Jan. 23 to share photos of the pool at Kris Jenner's home in Palm Springs, California, indicating they were vacationing together. Their behavior on social media had also become increasingly flirty in recent weeks, with the blink-182 drummer frequently dropping complimentary comments on the reality star's Instagram posts. Now keep reading for more of the month's biggest celeb love life updates…
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On Jan. 18, People magazine broke the news that Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas amicably called it quits after about a year of coupledom. The 32-year-old actress reportedly dumped the 48-year-old Oscar winner over her desire to travel and eventually have children of her own. According to multiple sources, Ben — who's raising his three children with ex-wife Jennifer Garner in Los Angeles — isn't interested in living elsewhere or adding to his brood. A Page Six source said there's a possibility the "Deep Water" co-stars "could get back together" because they are still "in love" and "people who know them believe [the breakup is] temporary."
RELATED: Ben's romance retrospective
On Jan. 5, Page Six reported that "divorce is imminent" for Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West. According to the New York Post's gossip column, the reality star hired a divorce lawyer and is in the process of hashing out a division of assets with her estranged hubby. In the weeks that followed, there were conflicting reports about when exactly — or even if! — she plans to file for divorce, with some outlets reporting the pair were in therapy and still hoping to work through their issues for the sake of their four children. Multiple media outlets were in agreement about what went wrong, though: They reportedly grew apart over the rapper's increasingly erratic behavior amid his his mental health issues, his failed political career and his desire to live at his ranch in Wyoming. (Kim wants to raise their kids in Los Angeles while focusing on her burgeoning legal career.) Amid the rampant divorce reports, the Internet erupted with unsubstantiated rumors that Kim had already moved on with longtime friend and colleague Van Jones and that Kanye had affairs with Jeffree Star and another male beauty influencer. (Jeffree denied the rumors in a YouTube video, insisting that he's single and has "never hung out" with Kanye. Meanwhile, the other influencer and his self-professed clout-chasing bestie admitted to manufacturing the cheating scandal to get their names in the press.) On Jan. 13, Us Weekly reported that Kim officially "decided it's over and there's no going back" in December when Kanye "said something that really upset" her and they "had an intense fight." Then on Jan. 18, People magazine reported that the duo stopped attending couples counseling, indicating they'd given up on working through their differences. An Us Weekly source added that "Kim has been in individual counseling and is at peace with where her life is headed" as she and Kanye are "actively negotiating" their divorce settlement.
MESSY! On the morning of Jan. 19, multiple media outlets reported that Clare Crawley and Dale Moss — who got engaged just four episodes into season 16 of "The Bachelorette" in 2020 — had hit a rough patch in their relationship. Just hours after those reports hit the Internet, the former professional football player — who spoke positively about their relationship on the Jan. 13 episode of the "Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian" podcast, claiming he only signed up for the show once ABC announced Clare was set to headline season 15 — took to Instagram to announce that they'd actually "decided to go our separate ways." Initial reports indicated the duo came to the conclusion that they'd rushed into things once they really got to know each other and realized they want different things in life: Clare, who wants to settle down and have children as soon as possible, is based in suburban Sacramento, California, where she's caring for her mother, who has Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Dale, meanwhile, is focused on building his brand and career in New York City. But soon, a different picture of the breakup emerged, with Us Weekly and "Entertainment Tonight" reporting that Dale dumped Clare over behavior that caused "friction" with his family. Two days after the male model announced the breakup, the hairstylist finally addressed the split on Instagram, writing that she was "crushed" and essentially blindsided. E! News then reported that, according to multiple sources, Dale had been cheating on Clare throughout their relationship with a woman he's been seeing since at least late 2019. Sources close to Dale, meanwhile, insist his relationship with his longtime pal, who's a real estate agent, is completely platonic and that she was simply helping him find an apartment to share with Clare in New York City. (Clare and Dale also faced cheating rumors in November.) Another E! source said that Clare was under the impression she and Dale "were working on their relationship" until he "abruptly posted to his Instagram page that they had parted ways." Still, a Dale-friendly source claimed Clare was misrepresenting the timeline, insisting he wanted to announce the breakup a week earlier but agreed to keep quiet while she processed things. "She feels he knew the truth was going to come out about his shady friendship … [and] wanted to break up quickly because the truth was eventually going to come out," said one of the Clare-friendly sources.
Over the weekend of Jan. 9, graphic DMs that Armie Hammer allegedly sent various women started trending on social media. The unverified messages, which center around the actor's alleged interest in dominant-submissive sexual relationships, indicate he might've been sleeping with multiple women as far back as 2016 — three years before he and Elizabeth Chambers announced they were ending their 10-year marriage. As the DMs grained traction, several women came forward alleging their relationships with the actor turned abusive and dangerous. Both beauty app founder Courtney Vucekovich, who dated Armie from June to October 2020, and model Paige Lorenze, who dated him from August to December 2020, described their mutual ex as charismatic and magnetic and detailed his alleged process of grooming them and luring them into increasingly dangerous sexual situations. (They've also both said they sought therapy for trauma and PTSD after their relationships with him came to an end.) On Jan. 13, the "Social Network" alum released a statement calling the allegations "bulls*** claims" and "vicious and spurious online attacks." A few days later — after a video leaked of Armie referring to a lingerie-clad mystery woman as "Ms. Cayman" — both he and the Miss Cayman Islands pageant released statements making it clear he's never been involved with the reigning queen or any other former Miss Cayman Islands. "I would like to clarify that the person in my video, which was stolen from my private Instagram, is not Miss Cayman," he said, adding that he doesn't know the beauty queen. Meanwhile, there have been conflicting reports about what Armie's estranged wife knew about his behavior and when she knew it. Said a Page Six source, "Elizabeth was aware of some infidelity, but she wanted to make the marriage work and thought that he did too." A second Page Six source said that "everyone thought he and Elizabeth decided to have an open marriage" once he reached a new level of fame after starring in "Call Me By Your Name." An Us Weekly source said the mother of two is "living in a nightmare" and "doesn't even recognize the man she married anymore."
On Jan. 2, Brian Austin Green and Sharna Burgess were snapped kissing and holding hands while taking a dip at a beach in Hawaii, confirming late-December reports they're an item. (See photos here.) On Jan. 11, the "Dancing With the Stars" pro made their relationship Instagram official, sharing a photo of herself and the former teen heartthrob smooching during their tropical getaway. Two days earlier, the "Beverly Hills, 90210" alum told "Access" that he and Sharna "don't have any labels" for their relationship yet. He also revealed they met through their mutual business manager. Later in the month, Us Weekly reported that the pair are actually more serious than their fans are aware.
On Jan. 22, Kristin Cavallari and Jay Cutler sparked reconciliation rumors when they shared matching posts on Instagram: the same selfie showing them hanging out together, which they each captioned, "The world is full of users. 10 years. Can't break that." While many fans assumed the post was an announcement that the former couple had reconciled, others speculated it was a sign of solidarity aimed at a certain reality star: "Southern Charm" personality Madison LeCroy. On Jan. 8, Us Weekly reported that, according to a source, there was a "new, flirty thing" between the former professional football player and the hairstylist, who recently split from off-and-on love Austen Kroll for the umpteenth time. (Ironically, Kristin and Austen sparked romance rumors when they spent time together as friends in December.) When asked to comment on her relationship with Jay, Madison played coy, which only served to further fuel the rumors they were, in fact, a couple … which purportedly angered Kristin and Jay. (Amid rumors she lied about her relationship with Jay for clout, Madison took to her Instagram Story to share a selfie with the father of three smiling while rocking matching camouflage ensembles. "Too bad it didn't work out," she wrote. She also shared screenshots of texts in which she and Jay discuss their relationship and make plans to visit each other: "You initiated and pursued [me]. If you weren't interested in something real, you shouldn't have slept with me," Madison wrote to Jay in an undated text.) Regardless of whether or not Kristin and Jay's post was aimed at Madison, one thing is clear: The former longtime couple hasn't reconciled — they're simply amicably co-parenting their three children. "They are friends and they are single. They will always have each other's back," a source told both E! News and People magazine, prompting the latter to report that Kristin and her boyfriend of a few months, Jeff Dye, had called it quits — even though they said "I love you" to each other during a Jan. 8 Instagram Live. The comedian also reportedly gushed about the "Hills" alum during a Jan. 21 comedy set, raising questions about when they might have split.
On Jan. 2, People magazine broke the news that Zoe Kravitz filed to divorce her husband of just 18 months, Karl Glusman, on Dec. 23. (Her rep later confirmed the split.) In the wake of the breakup, there were whispers online that the "Big Little Lies" actress had moved on with Channing Tatum. But People magazine debunked those rumors on Jan. 4. "They're working together on an upcoming project and it's not true that they're dating," said a source of Zoe and the "Magic Mike" star.
"The Real Housewives of Orange County" alum Meghan King debuted her new boyfriend, former friend of a year Will Roos, on her Instagram Story on Jan. 15 — just two months after her split from Christian Schauf.
In other "Housewives" news… On Jan. 5, artist Romero Britto took to his Instagram Story to share a photo of Bethenny Frankel and her ex-boyfriend, Paul Bernon, holding hands during a visit to his Miami studio with her daughter, Bryn Hoppy. The artist also shared a video in which the former "The Real Housewives of New York City" star could be seen sitting in Paul's lap. Bethenny has yet to comment on the status of her relationship with the real estate exec, from whom she split in late 2020.
In still more "Housewives" news… Although Braunwyn Windham-Burke's husband, Sean Burke, said earlier in the month that he's not dating seriously yet as they navigate the early stages of an open marriage, DailyMail.com reported on Jan. 15 that the father of seven was seen "making out" and "getting handsy" with a mystery woman during a lunch date in Newport Beach, California, on Dec. 28. According to the British webloid, Sean has been seeing his new girlfriend for at least two months, and his wife — who also has a girlfriend — is aware of the relationship: She reportedly caught them in bed together in their family home. According to the Daily Mail's sources, the "Real Housewives of Orange County" star is struggling with the reality of having an open relationship — that she's not the only one allowed to look for love outside the marriage.
On Jan. 22, People magazine identified Nick Viall's new girlfriend: The 40-year-old former star of "The Bachelor" is dating model and surgical technologist Natalie Joy, who's 17 years his junior. They were first linked in 2019 and have reportedly been "official" since sometime in 2020. "She's great for him," said a source.
In other Bachelor Nation love news… On Jan. 21, the Bachelor Nation Scoop Instagram account shared a photo of Hannah Brown out on a casually dressed dinner date with model and lifestyle coach Adam Woolard, prompting rumors they're a couple. That same day, the former star of "The Bachelorette" shared a video of herself linking arms with a mystery man while resting her head on his shoulder. (She didn't show his face.)
In still more Bachelor Nation news… In mid-January, multiple media outlets reported that aspiring social media influencer Sarah Trott — who eliminated herself from the competition on the Jan. 18 episode of "The Bachelor" — dated G-Eazy in early 2020 before looking for love with Matt James. (The blonde beauty — who was identified as a "mystery woman" at the time — insisted to "Entertainment Tonight" that she and the rapper-actor are "just friends.") Meanwhile, amid speculation that Sarah was actually in a relationship with another man — a DJ named Bijou (see him here) — throughout her time on "The Bachelor," Bachelor Nation blogger Reality Steve wrote on Jan. 19 that, according to his sources, Sarah only went on the show (with her beau's permission and approval) "to get noticed and build her brand." (Sarah insisted to "ET" she went on the show "with that full intention to find love with Matt.")
In even more Bachelor Nation news… On Jan. 4, "Entertainment Tonight" published a statement from Peter Weber denying rumors his mother played a role in his late-2020 split from Kelley Flanagan. Interestingly, he didn't address rumors that cheating played a role in the breakup. … On Jan. 5, E! News published exclusive photos of Tyler Cameron and the latest gorgeous model in his life: Camila Kendra. According to a source, "They are both into each other but it's a stretch to say she's his girlfriend." … On Jan. 12, Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham, who's currently pregnant with twins, took to Instagram to gush over each other in honor of their second wedding anniversary. … On Jan. 19, "The Bachelor Presents: Listen to Your Heart" winners Bri Stauss and Chris Watson released a joint statement to E! News announcing that they recently called it quits. … Also on Jan. 19, Us Weekly reported that former "Bachelor in Paradise" couple Krystal Nielson and Chris Randone finalized their divorce in late December. Two days earlier, Krystal announced on Instagram that she officially moved in with her new boyfriend, Miles Bowles, with whom she's expecting a baby girl. … And on Jan. 20, Us Weekly published an exclusive excerpt from the upcoming paperback edition of Colton Underwood's 2020 memoir, "The First Time: Finding Myself and Looking for Love on Reality TV," in which he details feeling blindsided by Cassie Randolph's desire to end their relationship after she nursed him back to health following his early 2020 battle with COVID-19.
During an interview with British newspaper The Times that debuted online on Jan. 8, Luke Evans confirmed speculation that he and his boyfriend of about a year and a half, art director Rafael Olarra, had recently called it quits.
Abigail Spencer and Josh Radnor sparked romance rumors when they stepped out together in Montecito, California, on Jan. 3. The "Mad Men" actress was snapped carrying the "How I Met Your Mother" alum's dog during their outing, which included an outdoor meal with another couple. Josh and Abigail — who appeared on two episodes of "HIMYM" in 2007 and 2014 — reportedly arrived and left together in her car.
On Jan. 11, LeToya Luckett and her husband of three years, Tommicus Walker, announced on Instagram that they'd "decided to get a divorce." On his Instagram Story, Tommi said he "never wanted a divorce" and hit back at rumors he strayed from the marriage. (In August, an Instagram model from Dallas alleged she had an affair with Tommi … and that she wasn't the only one with whom he cheated on LeToya, who gave birth to their second child in September.)
On the Jan. 11 episode of Louis Theroux's "Grounded" podcast, Riz Ahmed revealed that he secretly tied the knot sometime "not very long" ago. On the Jan. 13 episode of "The Tonight Show," he publicly revealed his wife's identity: She's "A Place for Us" novelist Fatima Farheen Mirza. They met "so randomly" in a New York City café when they "both sat down at the same table" and "struck up a friendship," he said.
The Mail on Sunday reported on Jan. 16 that, according to a source, "The Crown" creator Peter Morgan and British socialite and producer Jemima Khan "have been seeing each other happily since the New Year" and are now living together. Jemima — who previously dated Hugh Grant and was married to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan — has reportedly "been into Peter for a long time" and didn't wait long to swoop in after his four-year romance with Gillian Anderson came to an end in late 2020. The "X-Files" actress is said to be "upset" and "bemused" by the new romance.
On Jan. 1, Page Six reported that Naturi Naughton's secret boyfriend of two years — a "Southern gentleman" who works in the music industry whom she met through "Power" co-star Omari Hardwick — quietly popped the question on Dec. 23 with a 2.5-carat Neil Lane sparkler.
E! News reported on Jan. 14 that "90210" alum Tristan "Mack" Wilds quietly married longtime love Christina Hammond on Dec. 17 — a few days after their daughter's first birthday.
In a lengthy Jan. 7 blog post, Eva Amurri revealed that she now has "a wonderful boyfriend" — a chef named Ian Hock — whom she met through a mutual friend at his restaurant in New York City. She described him as a "unicorn" because he's fully embraced the fact that she has three young children and is recently divorced from Kyle Martino, who publicly showed support for his ex's new relationship on Instagram, writing, "Happy for you mama," when she teased her "little life update." A few days later, Eva shared a selfie with Ian on her Instagram Story.
"Ladies of London" alum Caroline Stanbury announced on Instagram on Jan. 2 that she and former professional soccer player Sergio Carrallo got engaged while exploring the Himalayas in Nepal. The former Bravo star revealed her romance with the former Real Madrid player in July — less than seven months after she announced that she and her husband of 17 years, Cem Habib, were calling it quits.
On Jan. 16, "Too Hot to Handle" alum Francesca Farago took to Instagram to share a photo of herself kissing "The Only Way Is Essex" star Demi Sims, seemingly confirming rumors they're an item. Since then, they haven't stopped gushing about each other on social media. "My heart is so full of you, I can hardly call it my own," the British reality star captioned a slideshow of photos with her purported girlfriend on Jan. 21.
Runaway June's Jennifer Wayne (John Wayne's granddaughter) married singer-songwriter Austin Moody in a "very small" ceremony with "western flair" on the beach in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, on Jan. 10 — less than two weeks after they got engaged following a courtship of just six months.
On Jan. 2, "Floribama Shore" star Nilsa Prowant announced on Instagram that she and Gus Gazda are engaged. The pair are also expecting their first child together.
"The Challenge" star Derrick Kosinski proposed to his girlfriend of three years, registered nurse Nicole Gruman, at Coopers Rock State Forest in West Virginia on Jan. 19.
Donald Trump's youngest daughter, Tiffany Trump, took to Instagram on Jan. 19 to announce that she's engaged to her boyfriend of two years, Michael Boulos. According to Page Six, he proposed in the Rose Garden at the White House over the weekend of Jan. 16.
"American Idol" alums Kat Luna and Alex Georgia tied the knot at Cactus Creek Barn in Dickson, Tennessee, on Jan. 15.
On Jan. 14, choreographer Shirlene Quigley announced on Instagram that she and "Thank U, Next" co-writer Tayla Parx are engaged.
