Leonardo DiCaprio is disproving a major internet theory involving his dating habits by allegedly starting a relationship with 27-year-old model Gigi Hadid.
When DiCaprio broke up with his girlfriend of more than four years, Camila Morrone, the fact that Morrone had just turned 25 years old reignited a theory that the 47-year-old actor cannot date anyone older than that age.
A fact check was inconclusive, but there is no evidence to suggest he ever has dated anyone over the age of 25, until now.
Multiple reports and sources seem to claim that DiCaprio and Hadid have been "hanging out" in New York City. The Daily Mail also published photos allegedly showing the pair together with a group.
Sources told the publication that they are "getting to know each other" but aren't "dating" yet. One said that "Leo is definitely pursuing Gigi," while another added that "they've been seen hanging out with groups of people."
Hadid was in a relationship with former One Direction singer Zayn Malik, 29, from 2015 to 2021, and she gave birth to their first child in September 2020.
DiCaprio has been linked with a number of high-profile women, but those relationships allegedly ended before they turned 26. His exes include Morrone, Blake Lively, Toni Garrn, Bar Refaeli and Gisele Bündchen.
DiCaprio was ridiculed across social media because of the theory, with Kenan Thompson joking about it at the recent 2022 Emmy Awards. Even the 81-year-old singer Dionne Warwick wrote on Twitter: "I just heard about Leonardo DiCaprio's 25 year rule. His loss. You don't know what you're missing."
"I enjoy that the Internet bullied Leonardo DiCaprio enough that he compromised and dated a 27 year old," tweeted @SotaBad.
More publications claim to have sources confirming the burgeoning romance between Hadid and DiCaprio. Page Six sources claim the pair are "taking it slow" and that he "is not someone who is in-and-out of relationships. He doesn't jump around hooking up."
E! claims to have another insider who has spoken about their relationship. "He's enjoying being single," the source said, adding that Hadid and DiCaprio are "not exclusive."
A second source said: ""Gigi and Leo have hung out multiple times and are into each other. Gigi thinks he's a really cool guy."
DiCaprio's ex-girlfriend from the late 1990s, Kristen Zang, recently wrote an essay for People where she explained why they broke up. Mentioning that she's now married to a "hot" younger husband, she said, "Joke's on you, Leo."
Newsweek has reached out to Hadid and DiCaprio's representatives for further comment.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Jamie Burton is a Newsweek Senior TV and Film Reporter (Interviews) based in London, U.K. His focus is reporting on ... Read more
To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.