Ella Mai, the Grammy-winning R&B sensation known for her soulful vocals and chart-topping hits, has largely maintained a private stance regarding her romantic life. Unlike many public figures who share their relationships openly, Mai has consistently opted for discretion, allowing her music to speak for itself while keeping personal connections out of the spotlight. This approach has led to a romantic history marked by whispers and subtle confirmations rather than grand public announcements.
In 2018, early in her burgeoning career, Ella Mai was briefly linked to NBA player John Wall. This connection was largely speculative, stemming from social media activity where Wall tagged her in a video. However, neither party ever confirmed a romantic involvement, and the rumors quickly faded, highlighting her early preference for privacy in her personal affairs.
Later in 2018, reports also surfaced suggesting a relationship between Ella Mai and fellow R&B artist Kehlani. While some entertainment outlets listed them as having been in a relationship, concrete evidence or public confirmation from either artist was notably absent. These early unconfirmed links underscore a pattern of the media attempting to piece together details of her love life from fleeting observations, often without official validation.
The most significant and enduring romantic connection publicly associated with Ella Mai began to emerge in late 2019 and early 2020 with NBA star Jayson Tatum. The initial sparks of their relationship were first observed when Mai was spotted courtside at a Boston Celtics game, subtly signaling her support for Tatum. Further speculation arose when eagle-eyed fans noticed her Instagram livestream featured a background that matched Tatum's home, suggesting they were spending time together.
Despite the growing rumors, both Ella Mai and Jayson Tatum maintained a remarkably low profile, never officially confirming their relationship in its early stages. Their first truly public appearance together occurred in July 2022 at Michael Rubin's annual Fourth of July White Party in the Hamptons. This sighting offered a rare glimpse into their private world, confirming to many that their connection was indeed serious and ongoing.
Throughout 2023, the couple continued their pattern of quiet togetherness, occasionally being spotted at private events. They attended former Celtics teammate Marcus Smart's wedding, further indicating the depth and stability of their bond. Additionally, Tatum was seen at Mai's birthday party in November of that year, reinforcing their commitment to supporting each other in personal milestones.
The year 2024 brought significant developments for the couple, starting with widespread speculation in June that Ella Mai was pregnant. A video circulated showing her with a noticeable baby bump while celebrating the Boston Celtics' NBA championship win, where Tatum played a pivotal role. This sighting, though not an official announcement, strongly suggested the couple was expecting their first child together.
The news was all but confirmed in August 2024 when Ella Mai and Jayson Tatum were seen together at the Paris Olympics, where Tatum had just secured a gold medal with Team USA. In a viral video, Mai was seen holding a newborn baby, marking the quiet arrival of their child. This event served as the public debut of their baby, who is Mai's first child and Tatum's second, as he also has a son, Jayson Jr. (Deuce), from a previous relationship.
Ella Mai and Jayson Tatum continue to prioritize their privacy, rarely sharing details of their relationship on social media or in interviews. This deliberate choice has allowed them to build a strong foundation away from the intense scrutiny often faced by celebrity couples. Their journey from unconfirmed rumors to quietly welcoming a child together exemplifies a modern celebrity romance built on discretion and mutual respect, allowing their individual careers to shine while their personal life remains a cherished, private sphere.