From Italian Vows to Quiet French Romance: The Love Story of Maya Karin

Malaysian actress, television host, and singer Maya Karin, known for her captivating performances and environmental advocacy, has navigated her romantic life with a blend of public visibility and guarded privacy. Her journey through love has seen a significant marriage, a public divorce, and, more recently, a quietly sustained relationship, reflecting her evolving perspective on personal connections.

One of the most significant chapters in Maya Karin's romantic history began with Steven David Shorthose, a British teacher. Their relationship culminated in marriage in 2008, drawing considerable public interest. The couple exchanged vows on August 14, 2008, in a picturesque ceremony held in Bellagio, Italy, a choice that added a touch of international allure to their union.

Following their intimate Italian wedding, Maya and Steven held a reception in Malaysia on August 26, 2008, at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) in Kepong. This event allowed them to celebrate their marriage with a wider circle of family, friends, and industry colleagues, marking their official entry into married life in the public eye. Steven David Shorthose, who adopted the Muslim name Muhammad Ali Abdullah upon converting to Islam, was a prominent figure alongside Maya during this period.

Despite the initial joy and public celebration, the marriage between Maya Karin and Steven David Shorthose proved to be relatively short-lived. After two years together, the couple announced their decision to divorce. The divorce was officially finalized on July 16, 2010, bringing an end to their union.

The separation was reportedly mutual, though it garnered significant media attention due to Maya Karin's celebrity status. Reports at the time indicated that issues surrounding the registration of their Italian marriage in Malaysia also played a role in the public discourse surrounding their divorce. Following the dissolution of her marriage, Maya Karin maintained a notably private stance on her romantic life for many years, focusing on her career and other personal endeavors.

More than a decade after her divorce, Maya Karin publicly acknowledged being in a new relationship, this time with a French man. In early 2024, reports emerged confirming her long-term connection, which she had largely kept out of the public eye. She revealed that the relationship had been ongoing for two years by that point, indicating it began around 2022.

Maya Karin has chosen to keep the identity of her French boyfriend private, a clear indication of her preference for a more discreet romantic life after her previous public marriage. She has shared that while she was initially hesitant to go public, the longevity of the relationship made her feel comfortable in acknowledging it.

According to interviews in 2024, Maya Karin expressed her surprise at how long the relationship had lasted, stating, "I didn't think we would last this long." She also conveyed an openness to the idea of remarriage, suggesting a renewed optimism towards long-term commitment. Her partner is reportedly supportive of her career, even visiting her on set, with Maya noting, "He loves seeing me work."

The current relationship signifies a mature approach to love for Maya Karin, prioritizing privacy and mutual support. While details remain scarce, her public statements reflect a contentment and stability in her personal life, a stark contrast to the more publicly documented chapter of her past marriage. Maya Karin's romantic journey, from a high-profile wedding in Italy to a quiet, enduring partnership, illustrates her evolving relationship with fame and personal happiness.