Alia Shawkat is finally addressing one of the most persistent celebrity rumors from her past: speculation that she and Brad Pitt were dating. The rumors gained attention in 2019 after the two were photographed together at several public outings.
Years later, Shawkat explained what actually connected them.
In 2019, Shawkat and Pitt were seen together several times over a period of about four months. Their outings included a visit to In-N-Out, an art exhibit, and a concert. Those appearances quickly sparked romance speculation, with media outlets and fans trying to determine whether the pair were more than friends.
The actress, now 37, recently discussed the story during an appearance on “Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen.” Host Andy Cohen admitted that he remained “obsessed with the Brad Pitt dating rumors.” Shawkat’s “The Wrong Girls” co-star Kristen Stewart said she was also “enthralled” by the speculation.
When Cohen asked Shawkat how the situation began, she appeared amused and said, “This is my favorite question to get asked.”
Shawkat Sets the Record Straight
Shawkat explained that she and Pitt became friends after being introduced by director Spike Jonze. According to the actress, their connection was based on friendship and shared interests, particularly art.
“It sounds all very chic and Hollywood. But we met, and he’s really into art, and he’s very cool, and we became friends,” Shawkat said.
She also joked about how quickly people assumed they were romantically involved simply because they were seen together. “And everyone thought we were dating, because if you stand next to him, everyone thinks you’re dating. Like, even his own mother,” she said.
The rumor even reached Shawkat’s family. She recalled that her grandmother saved an issue of Us Weekly featuring Shawkat on the cover because of the speculation.
Pitt Also Denied the Romance
Pitt had previously addressed the dating rumors in a 2019 interview with The New York Times. At the time, he pushed back against reports linking him to various women.
“I don’t know how many women they’ve said I’ve been dating the last two or three years, and none of it’s true,” Pitt said.
Shawkat was last publicly seen with Pitt in 2020. Despite the years of speculation, she continues to speak warmly about him, describing him as “great” and “the coolest.”
Pitt began dating Ines de Ramon in 2022, while Shawkat has confirmed that their relationship was never romantic. Their public outings sparked widespread speculation, but Shawkat explained that the two were simply friends who enjoyed spending time together.
Her latest comments put the long-running rumors to rest, clarifying that the connection began through director Spike Jonze and remained platonic despite years of media attention.
