Natalie Portman has finally addressed rumours she is dating Paul Mescal after they were photographed together outside a bar in London in May.
The Star Wars actress, 43, and the Normal People star, 28, were recently seen sharing a cigarette outside of a popular London bar.
The photos of Natalie and Paul hit social media and fans were overwhelmed with excitement as the pair were seen giggling and chatting together outside The Bar With No Name – an Islington watering hole which also goes by the name Bar 69.
Now, while promoting her new Apple TV series, Lady in the Lake, the star was asked about the images and her relationship with the actor.
In an interview with The Guardian, Natalie dispelled rumours as she laughed and confirmed that ‘they’re friends’.
She then complimented the actor, but avoided sparking any more rumours as she said: ‘I’m very in awe of his talent.’
Paul dated singer Phoebe Bridgers, 29, for two years but hasn’t publically dated anyone since his split from the artist in 2022.
Natalie is also thought to be single as she recently finalised her high-profile divorce from French dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied, 46.
Despite the fact both actors are single, the sweet truth behind these images was revealed by a body language expert to Metro.co.uk.
Judi James, revealed that while they might have seemed to ‘enjoy each other’s company’, there was nothing romantic about the snaps.
‘They are clearly enjoying each other’s company. There is a space between them that is big enough to be politely sociable. [But] rather than intimate, there are no signals from either of them to suggest they would like to get closer here.
‘There’s no sign that Natalie is flirting here but Paul’s body language suggests he’s enjoying her attention and her company and maybe even a little sweetly in awe of her,’ Judi added.
it seems that the pair have just remained good friends following their Actors on Actors interview with Variety, in which they complimented each other’s work.
Paul Mescal has spoken previously about his frustration with the public interest in his love life.
‘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,’ he told Harper’s Bazaar when asked about the attention on his love life.
‘Honest answer, it makes me angry… It’s the entitlement to the information that people expect that just drives me mad.’
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