Paul Mescal’s Girlfriend and Relationship History: A Complete Timeline
A look at how private moments and red carpet outings shaped a modern Hollywood romance.
Image: ShutterStock
Irish actor Paul Mescal, catapulted to global fame thanks to his breakout role in Normal People, has captivated audiences both for his acting talent and his intriguingly private personal life. Whether he is walking red carpets or fueling rumors with co-stars, fans and the media are endlessly fascinated by Mescal’s love life. This timeline explores his confirmed relationships, notable rumored romances, and the facts behind his most talked-about connections.
Who is Paul Mescal’s Current Girlfriend?
As of late 2024, Paul Mescal’s girlfriend is Gracie Abrams, a rising American singer-songwriter known for her heartfelt lyrics and recent high-profile opening slot on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.
Rumors of their romance began circulating in 2023, after Internet gossip accounts reported a budding friendship. By November 2024, the couple made headlines when Abrams appeared at the premiere of Mescal’s film Gladiator II and attended the after-party with him, cementing their status as one of Hollywood’s most-watched young couples.
Who is Gracie Abrams?
- Gracie Abrams is the 25-year-old daughter of film director J.J. Abrams and producer Katie McGrath.
- She’s known for introspective pop songs like “21” and “Where Do We Go Now?”
- Joined Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour as an opening act, greatly expanding her fan base.
The couple has preferred to keep their relationship relatively low-key, rarely posting about each other on social media and generally avoiding joint red carpet appearances—although their public outings haven’t escaped notice.
Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams: Relationship Timeline
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Rumors emerge via gossip blogs suggesting Mescal and Abrams are romantically linked. |
| Early 2024 | Spotted together at private parties and London outings, fueling speculation. |
| November 2024 | Gracie Abrams attends the LA premiere after-party of Gladiator II with Mescal, unofficially confirming the relationship. |
Phoebe Bridgers: Paul Mescal’s Most Public Relationship
Before Gracie Abrams, Paul Mescal’s longest, most public relationship was with indie musician Phoebe Bridgers.
- How did they meet? Bridgers tweeted playfully about watching Normal People. Mescal replied, and the two connected over social media and an Instagram Live chat.
- By late 2020, Mescal mentioned having a girlfriend in interviews, though they kept things private at first.
- In December 2020, Mescal appeared in Bridgers’ “Savior Complex” music video.
- November 2021 marked their red-carpet debut at the LACMA Gala in LA.
- Rumors of engagement swirled in 2022 after a Met Gala appearance and a holiday Instagram post, but details remained unconfirmed.
- By December 2022, news broke that they had split. Bridgers was later seen with comedian Bo Burnham.
Quotes and Key Moments
In a candid GQ interview, Mescal described Bridgers as a “lifesaver” during the pandemic lockdown, praising the importance of emotional support at such a difficult time. However, after their breakup, Mescal made it clear he values privacy: “It’s nobody else’s business and should never be commented on because it’s indecent. And it’s unkind.”
Daisy Edgar-Jones: “Normal People” Chemistry and Rumors
Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal’s chemistry in Normal People was so palpable that fans speculated about a real-life romance. However, they have always insisted that their friendship is strictly platonic.
- In 2022, their joint appearance in Fleabag-inspired Halloween costumes reignited rumors.
- A viral Met Gala snapshot showing Mescal gazing at Edgar-Jones became a meme for fans, but both denied any romance.
The actors remain supportive friends, and their genuine bond off-screen is often celebrated by fans, but all evidence points to a non-romantic relationship.
Other Rumored Connections and Dating Speculation
Given Mescal’s fame and the intense scrutiny surrounding his dating life, he’s been linked—often without evidence—to several celebrities or co-stars. Here’s a breakdown of the most persistent rumors and what’s really known:
- India Mullen (2020): After co-starring together in Normal People, Mescal and Ireland Mullen were seen spending time together off-set. However, neither ever confirmed a romantic relationship, and reports suggest they are just friends.
- Sophie Turner (2021): Briefly linked through social media interactions and red carpet photos, but no substantial evidence of a romantic relationship.
- Sophie Wilde (2023): Mescal was rumored to have dated Sophie Wilde following his breakup with Bridgers, though the relationship was never confirmed by either party.
- Aoife Hinds, Melissa Barrera, Saoirse Ronan: All were on-screen partners in Mescal’s various projects, but there is no evidence or credible reports of real-life romance.
Paul Mescal’s Approach to Privacy
Paul Mescal has repeatedly emphasized his preference for privacy, particularly around topics concerning his personal life and relationships. In interviews, Mescal has openly said he resents the sense of “entitlement” some feel to know intimate details about his life, especially after experiencing public speculation around his breakup with Phoebe Bridgers.
“The stuff that hurts is the personal stuff. It’s nobody else’s business and should never be commented on because it’s indecent. And it’s unkind.” — Paul Mescal, Harper’s Bazaar
He rarely discusses current or former partners publicly, avoids posting about relationships on social media, and refrains from sharing details of his family or social circle.
How Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams Met
Though the exact origin of their relationship is not public, sources and fan speculation suggest that the two first connected through mutual friends in the music and film industries. Both are known for keeping their lives private, so it’s unsurprising that they have shared few specifics about their romance.
- Early rumors emerged via the gossip site Deuxmoi in 2023, noting that the two were “spotted together” in London social scenes.
- Both have been seen at each other’s professional events, notably with Abrams turning up for Mescal’s film premieres and Mescal reportedly supporting Abrams’ musical gigs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who is Paul Mescal currently dating?
A: As of late 2024, Paul Mescal is dating Gracie Abrams, an American singer-songwriter.
Q: Were Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones ever a couple?
A: No, despite intense speculation and their onscreen chemistry in Normal People, Mescal and Edgar-Jones have always maintained that they are just close friends.
Q: Were Paul Mescal and Phoebe Bridgers engaged?
A: There were persistent rumors of an engagement in 2022 after several joint appearances, but neither Bridgers nor Mescal ever confirmed it publicly.
Q: Why does Paul Mescal keep his relationships private?
A: Mescal has stated in interviews that he values privacy and finds public speculation about his personal life “unkind” and intrusive.
Q: Who else has Paul Mescal been rumored to date?
A: He’s been linked in media reports to India Mullen, Sophie Turner, and Sophie Wilde, though none of these relationships were confirmed.
Key Takeaways: Paul Mescal’s Romantic Life in Review
- Paul Mescal’s current girlfriend is singer Gracie Abrams, with whom he has maintained a private, low-profile relationship since 2023.
- The most high-profile relationship in Mescal’s dating history was with American musician Phoebe Bridgers from 2020 through late 2022.
- Persistent rumors and fan speculation followed Mescal’s chemistry with Daisy Edgar-Jones, but both actors confirm they are just good friends.
- Mescal consistently chooses privacy over publicity, rarely discussing personal matters publicly or on social media platforms.
Paul Mescal’s Dating Timeline: At a Glance
| Year(s) | Relationship Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Daisy Edgar-Jones (rumored) | Co-starred in Normal People, strong public chemistry, but only friends. |
| 2020–2022 | Phoebe Bridgers | Public relationship; rumors of engagement; breakup in late 2022. |
| 2023 | Sophie Wilde (rumored) | Linked through media after Bridgers split; unconfirmed. |
| 2023–present | Gracie Abrams | Romance confirmed with public appearances in 2024. |
Final Thoughts on Paul Mescal’s Girlfriend and Private Life
Paul Mescal’s relationship history mirrors his acting style: understated, authentic, and, above all, private. Despite the rumors and speculation, Mescal’s commitment to privacy means much of his personal life remains out of the spotlight. With Gracie Abrams by his side, fans might expect more red carpet moments in the future—but it’s more likely that this couple will continue to keep their love story just for themselves.
References
- https://cosmopolitan.com.au/celebs/paul-mescal-girlfriend-2020-2024/
- https://www.theknot.com/content/paul-mescal-relationship
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/celebs/a61729546/paul-mescal-dating-history/
- https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a61691701/paul-mescal-girlfriend-dating-history-explained/
- https://www.whosdatedwho.com/dating/paul-mescal
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our vibrant community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with like-minded individuals.
Read full bio of Medha Deb
