Chelsea Handler, the outspoken comedian, author, and television host, has often approached her romantic life with the same candidness and humor that define her public persona. Over the years, her relationships have ranged from high-profile partnerships with industry executives to public romances with fellow entertainers, offering a transparent look into her evolution both personally and professionally. Handler's journey through love has been marked by a preference for independence, a willingness to explore, and a consistent commitment to her own happiness.
One of Handler's most significant early public relationships was with Ted Harbert, then the CEO of Comcast Entertainment Group and her boss at E! Network, where Chelsea Lately aired. Their relationship began in 2006 and lasted for four years, ending in 2010. Handler has openly discussed the complexities of dating her boss, citing that their careers often intertwined with their personal lives, making it difficult to separate work from romance.
In later interviews, Handler revealed that a series of threesomes with their masseuse also played a role in her realization that the relationship with Harbert was ending, though she later clarified this wasn't the sole reason. She humorously admitted to developing a stronger attraction to the masseuse than to Harbert, which signaled to her that it was time to move on. Despite the breakup, Handler has consistently expressed her affection and respect for Harbert, maintaining that he remains a dear friend.
Following her split from Harbert, Handler had a brief romance with Animal Planet star Dave Salmoni in 2010. Their relationship was short-lived, lasting only a few months. Handler famously hinted at their breakup during a monologue on Chelsea Lately, quipping about her "contract" with Animal Planet being "terminated," a nod to Salmoni's profession.
In 2011, Handler briefly dated rapper 50 Cent, a relationship that surprised many and garnered significant media attention. Handler later confirmed their casual romance, describing him as her "favorite ex" due to his charming and respectful demeanor. Their connection was short but memorable, adding an unexpected chapter to her dating history.
Handler then entered an on-again, off-again relationship with hotelier André Balazs, which spanned from 2011 to 2013. She described this period as "draining" and "extremely time consuming," indicating the challenges of maintaining a consistent relationship amidst their busy lives and the public eye. Despite their attempts to make it work, the relationship ultimately concluded.
After several years of maintaining a largely private dating life, Handler surprised fans by confirming her relationship with fellow comedian Jo Koy in September 2021. Koy had been a long-time friend and a frequent guest on Chelsea Lately, and their friendship blossomed into romance during the pandemic. Their relationship was highly public, with both comedians often sharing affectionate posts and performing together.
Handler expressed profound happiness and a renewed sense of optimism during her relationship with Koy, crediting him with helping her embrace her authentic self. However, after nearly a year together, Handler announced their breakup in July 2022. She shared the news with grace, emphasizing their continued love and respect for each other and thanking Koy for the joy he brought into her life.
Since her split from Jo Koy, Handler has indicated that she is currently dating someone new, but she has chosen to keep the details private. She revealed in late 2024 and early 2025 that she met this person "a long time ago" and that they became "lovers" more recently. Handler has expressed a desire to keep this relationship out of the public eye, prioritizing privacy and a less exposed dynamic. This decision reflects a shift in her approach to romance, opting for a more personal and less scrutinized connection.