Richard Melville Hall, known globally as Moby, has navigated a complex and often private romantic life amidst his illustrious career as an electronic music pioneer and outspoken activist. While his public persona frequently centers on his veganism and animal rights advocacy, his memoirs have offered glimpses into a series of intense, often challenging relationships that have shaped his personal journey. Moby has consistently maintained a preference for privacy regarding his romantic entanglements, though some have inevitably become subjects of public discussion.
In his early career, particularly as detailed in his memoir Porcelain, Moby recounted numerous relationships during his formative years in the New York music scene. These often involved women he met through clubs, music, and his burgeoning artistic circle, characterized by their intensity and the transient nature of life in the underground music world. He described a period of seeking connection amidst the chaos of his rising fame, often struggling with deeper intimacy.
A notable, albeit brief, relationship from the late 1990s was with Chrissie Hynde, the iconic frontwoman of The Pretenders. As revealed in his 2019 memoir Then It Fell Apart, Moby described an intense, passionate connection with Hynde, whom he greatly admired. Their relationship, though short-lived, left a significant impression on him, marked by its emotional depth and the challenges posed by their respective demanding careers and lifestyles.
Around 1999, Moby claimed to have dated actress Natalie Portman, a claim that later became a subject of public dispute. In Then It Fell Apart, he wrote that they had a brief romantic involvement when she was 18 and he was 33, describing their time together in New York. However, Portman publicly refuted Moby’s account, stating that their interactions were not a dating relationship and that she remembered him as "a much older man" who made her feel uncomfortable at the time. This public disagreement led to Moby issuing an apology for his portrayal of their interactions.
Later, around 2006, before her widespread fame, Moby reportedly had a brief relationship with Lana Del Rey, then known as Lizzie Grant. He mentioned her in his memoir, describing her as a "beautiful, talented singer" he met at a party. Their connection was reportedly casual and occurred before she rose to global stardom, highlighting a period where Moby continued to encounter creative individuals in his social circles.
Following these more publicly acknowledged or memoir-detailed relationships, Moby has largely retreated from sharing details about his romantic life. He has often spoken about his struggles with addiction and mental health, which he has linked to difficulties in maintaining stable relationships. His focus shifted increasingly towards his activism and creative work, maintaining a very private personal sphere.
In recent years, Moby has not publicly confirmed any long-term partners or marriages, maintaining a highly discreet approach to his current romantic status. His social media and public appearances are predominantly dedicated to his advocacy for animal rights and veganism, as well as his music. While his past relationships have occasionally drawn public attention, Moby appears committed to keeping his present romantic life out of the media spotlight, focusing on his personal well-being and public causes.