

Society is experiencing a shift where open conversations about nonmonogamy are becoming increasingly common.
In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the number of folx expressing interest in ethical nonmonogamy and polyamory on dating platforms. The CEO of Feeld, a dating app catering to those exploring alternative relationship structures, reported to Slate a 500% surge in users incorporating terms like "ethically nonmonogamous" and "polyamorous" in their profiles over the past three years.
Similarly, OkCupid observed a 45% rise in profile mentions of nonmonogamy-related terms between 2021 and 2023. These statistics, reported by Axios, highlight a growing trend towards open and alternative relationship styles.
Of course, we appreciate these numbers and it’s also important to talk about what this concept means for our people.
Ancestral Practices of Nonmonogamy in African Cultures
In many African societies, relationships were traditionally structured in ways that defied Western monogamous norms. Polygamy, for instance, was a common practice in several cultures, rooted in community building and mutual support rather than possessiveness. Highlighting historical practices like these can show the cultural lineage of ethical nonmonogamy in the Black diaspora.
Polyamory in Afro-Caribbean Spiritual Practices
Certain Afro-Caribbean spiritual traditions, such as Vodou, Santería, and Ifá, emphasize communal love and relationships that transcend monogamy. Practitioners often speak of building large, inclusive networks of love and care, which align with polyamorous ideals.
Modern Polyamory Advocates in Black Communities
There are some notable voices in today’s Black polyamorous and ethically nonmonogamous communities like Kevin Patterson, author of Love’s Not Colorblind: Race and Representation in Polyamorous and Other Alternative Communities, which addresses the intersections of race and polyamory.
Ahead, find a list of celebrities who lean into the polyamorous lifestyle.
1. Willow Smith
Willow Smith has been an outspoken advocate for ethical nonmonogamy and polyamory, sharing on Red Table Talk that she values the freedom to explore multiple loving relationships. She sees it as a way to break traditional molds and focus on emotional honesty. “With polyamory, I feel like the main foundation is the freedom to be able to create a relationship style that works for you and not just stepping into monogamy because that's what everyone around you says is the right thing to do,” she said.
2 & 3. Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith
Willow's openness about nonmonogamy may come as no surprise, given her mom, Jada, has hinted at a flexible perspective on relationships. While not outright identifying as polyamorous, Jada has discussed nontraditional approaches to love and partnership.
"Jada never believed in conventional marriage ... Jada had family members that had an unconventional relationship," the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air alum told GQ in November 2021. "We have given each other trust and freedom, with the belief that everybody has to find their own way. And marriage for us can't be a prison. The freedoms that we've given one another and the unconditional support, to me, is the highest definition of love."
4. RuPaul
RuPaul, the renowned drag queen and creator of RuPaul's Drag Race, recently disclosed that he and his husband have an open relationship. "It’s just realistic. There’s no such thing as monogamy with men,” Ru said in an interview with theNew Yorker. However, due to his celebrity status, he expressed that he no longer has a reliable "circle of people" for intimacy.
5. Kehlani
In 2018, musician Kehlani tweeted that they were a "lil poly pansexual," but it was unclear to fans whether they were identifying as polyamorous or polysexual.
In 2020, during an appearance on The Breakfast Club, Kehlani clarified that they had been in an open relationship with their former partner, YG, when questioned about alleged photos of him kissing another woman outside a club. "That wasn't a rule-breaking situation. I just don't feel like getting online and deeply explaining that that is not a situation that matters to me then I gotta deal with everybody coming at my mentality about an open relationship."
6. DeRay Davis
Comedian DeRay Davis has been open about his polyamorous relationship, or "throuple," including appearances with his partners Coco Crawford and Caro Peguero on The Real and his Oxygen show Living with Funny. Davis emphasizes that he doesn't view himself as a "player" and prioritizes open communication and comfort in the relationship. He had been with one partner for five years and the other for two and a half at the time of his 2017 interview on The Real.
7. Nick Cannon
Nick Cannon, a vocal advocate for open relationships, has fathered multiple children with different women while practicing consensual nonmonogamy. This excludes his two eldest children, who he shares with his ex-wife Mariah Carey. During a 2021 interview with Vermilion County First, Nick said, “That’s a Eurocentric concept. The idea that you’re supposed to have this one person for the rest of your life. The idea that a man should have one woman. We shouldn’t have anything. I have no ownership over this person.”
He continued, “If we’re really talking about how we co-exist and how we populate, it’s about what exchange can we create together. I understand the institution of marriage, but if we go back to what that was about … it was to classify property,” he argued.
8. Jidenna
“When I first started I had the basic dream of threesomes. But then I realized I really wanted to have a romantic relationship with another woman,” Jidenna admitted to Teyana Taylor on Bumble's Luv2SeeIt in August 2022. He shared that he initially explored polyamory to satisfy his sexual curiosities.
Jidenna is currently in a monogamous relationship with his girlfriend, whom he met when she was dating two other men. “Right now, people look at me and [my exclusive partner], and they’re like ‘Wow, y’all are monogamous.’ and I’m like – maybe! But we reserve the right to evolve. Our agreement has license to change; we can change whenever we want.”
9. Janelle Monáe
Like many stars, the “Float” singer spilled her tea on an episode of Red Table Talk. She came out as non-binary and confirmed that she’d been in a poly relationship before. “I wasn’t ready to have my family question my personal life or get calls from people who still look at me as Little Pumpkin — that’s what they call me back home,” she shared. “I needed to talk to my dad, who was just great. My sister knew already because I’ve been in monogamous relationships; I’ve been in polyamorous relationships. But I knew that I couldn’t be Little Pumpkin. I couldn’t be little Janelle.”
10. Omarion
Omarion expressed openness to polyamory on Club Shay Shay, stating that he believes his future partner or partners will seek him out. “She finds me. It’s been a while since I’ve actually been in a ‘girlfriend-boyfriend’ type of relationship. But I think a private life is a happy life. I believe that she finds me.”
The artist went on to say, “It might be ‘shes.’ ‘Shes’ might find me. Plurals. ‘Shes.’ I’m just saying if I really thought about my lifestyle and being with me—the pressure of being with me and it just being one woman. I don’t know if that exists. I don’t come from a traditional standpoint. I feel like I’ve definitely tried the traditional way, and I don’t know if that’s for me.”
11. Ne-Yo
Ne-Yo has five children from previous relationships: three with his ex-wife Crystal Renay and two with his ex-fiancée Monyetta Shaw. After his divorce from Crystal, Ne-Yo publicly acknowledged his involvement in a polyamorous relationship, stating that he had discovered monogamy wasn't the right path for him.
Society dictates that one should be with a single partner, get married, and remain together permanently. Ne-Yo clarified that he is not criticizing marriage or those who have made it work for them. He emphasized that while monogamy may be suitable for some, it is not the right fit for him. This realization has brought him a sense of relief and liberation.
In an episode of the YouTube show Lemon Drop, the singer discussed his polyamorous lifestyle with event planner Karleen Roy. "I realized that I've not been living my truth for a very, very long time. I'm living it now, and you could tell my skin is glowing." Ne-yo went on to say, "I'm in a great space, great space, mentally, emotionally, and everything else. I'm in a really good space, and I realized that everything is not for everybody. I know you've heard that said before. It is some of the truest shit that anyone has ever said."
Historical Figures Who Broke Monogamous Norms
Figures like Zora Neale Hurston and Langston Hughes, though not explicitly polyamorous, lived unconventional love lives that rejected strict monogamous boundaries. Their stories illustrate the longstanding tradition of challenging societal norms around love and relationships.
While Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera weren’t in a relationship themselves, their work within the queer Black and Brown communities in the 1960s and 70s created spaces where nonmonogamous and nontraditional relationships thrived. Their advocacy normalized diverse expressions of love within marginalized communities.
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Joce Blake is a womanist who loves fashion, Beyonce and Hot Cheetos. The sophistiratchet enthusiast is based in Brooklyn, NY but has southern belle roots as she was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Keep up with her on Instagram @joce_blake and on Twitter @SaraJessicaBee.
'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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Celebrity Engagements Of 2025: All The Stars Who Locked It Down This Year (So Far!)
February might be in the rearview, but love is most definitely still in the air as the gworls are getting wifed up left and right. We love love over here at xoNecole, and 2025 is already shaping up to be a year full of celebrity engagements. Zendaya had the innanet in a chokehold when she kicked off award season flashing a stunning rock on her ring finger, and more recently, Normani announced her engagement to long-time partner DK Metcalf.
As more of our faves take that next step to saying "I do," keep reading for all the couples who got engaged in 2025. Stay tuned!
Every Celebrity Engagement of 2025 (So Far)
Normani and DK Metcalf
“Hold that rock up, baby!” That’s how DK Metcalf casually dropped the news of his engagement to singer Normani while speaking during a press conference that followed the announcement of his trade from the Seattle Seahawks to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a five-year, $150 million contract. And just like that, we all wanted in the group chat.
But before this love story led to a ring, it had to have its start. And for that, we can thank Ciara and Russell Wilson. The couple's mutual friends played matchmakers for Normani, 28, and DK, 27, bringing them together at a party for Ciara’s rum brand after DK had already manifested their love years earlier. “Me and Ciara are really close, and Russell and DK were teammates on the Seattle Seahawks,” Normani shared with Vogue.
“About two years prior to us even meeting, they were playing music videos in the locker room, and ‘Motivation’ ended up popping up on the screen. DK said, ‘The moment I saw you come up on that screen, I said, ‘That's going to be my wife.’’” At the time, Normani was in a relationship, but two years later, Ciara made sure the stars aligned. “I ended up going [to the party], and lo and behold, he ended up being there, and the rest is history.”
As for the actual proposal, DK had been planning it for over a year—initially hoping to pop the question during a family trip to Turks & Caicos. But with Normani focused on her album at the time, he decided to wait for the perfect moment. That moment came on March 12 during another family trip, this time to Houston, where he surprised her with an intimate proposal surrounded by their loved ones. To say that Normani was shocked is an understatement. “I was like, ‘Baby, you knew for over a year?’” she recalled to the publication. “To get anything past me for over a year is crazy!”
Swooning!
Winnie Harlow and Kyle Kuzma
There might be something in the water in Turks & Caicos because while DK Metcalf had dreams of proposing to Normani there, Kyle Kuzma made it happen for Winnie Harlow this past Valentine's Day. The NBA star popped the question to his longtime love in the same place they took their first baecation back in 2022, a trip that, according to Kyle, cemented his plan to propose to the fashion model one day.
The Milwaukee Bucks player went all out for the occasion, chartering a private jet decked out with roses, balloons, chocolates, and champagne, all of which Winnie assumed was just an elaborate Valentine’s Day surprise. But the real moment came when Kyle, 29, read Winnie, 30, a heartfelt poem he had written, which ended with the words, “Will you be my wife?” The 8.5-carat oval-cut engagement ring that accompanied it sealed the deal.
The couple celebrated with a dreamy beachfront dinner, fireworks lighting up the sky as Winnie held up her ring in disbelief. She later shared the news with her fans on Instagram in a post, writing “To eternity” alongside a carousel of photos capturing the magical moment.
Amber "AD" Smith and Ollie Sutherland
If you know the Love Is Blind lore, this engagement announcement is going to hit a little different. After all, AD Smith and Ollie Sutherland both made it to the altar in their respective seasons, but not with each other. Now, in a full-circle plot twist for the ages, the two reality stars found love off-screen, and they just made it official.
During the recent Love Is Blind reunion special, AD and Ollie dropped the bombshell news that they’re engaged! The couple met while filming the upcoming season of Netflix's Perfect Match, but while we don’t know all the ins and outs of how their love story began (yet!), we do know where they are now. The pair opened up more about their engagement on AD’s podcast, What’s the Reality?, while Ollie took to Instagram to hard launch their love with a collab post captioned, “THIS is how you do a hard launch! 💍 #TheSutherlands.”
After everything they’ve been through in their respective Love Is Blind journeys, AD and Ollie are proof that sometimes, love finds you when and where you least expect it. And we’re always here for a second chance at true love.
Paige Hurd and Royce O' Neal
Paige Hurd is engaged, y'all! The actress, known most recently for her work in Power Book II: Ghost, and Phoenix Suns forward Royce O’Neale are officially tying the knot following a romantic proposal in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Their love story feels like something straight out of a rom-com. Paige, 32, had just sworn off dating, fully focused on her faith and personal growth—then, boom, in walks Royce, 31, to change everything. “Nice as can be,” she recalled in a PEOPLE exclusive, though she initially only saw him as a friend. But Royce? He had a very different vision of who he saw her as in his life. “She was my lifelong crush,” he admitted. “A couple years ago, I told my friends, ‘One day I’ll meet her, date her, and marry her.’ Of course, they thought I was joking, but I was serious.”
Fast forward to February 13, and that longtime manifestation became reality. During an intimate oceanfront dinner at the Viceroy Riviera Maya, surrounded by candlelight and rose petals, Paige was served a slice of red velvet cake with “Will you marry me?” written on the plate. And their journey to a lifetime is only beginning.
From childhood crush to future husband, Royce spoke this love into existence. And with Paige calling him “the most thoughtful, down-to-earth, gentle man I’ve ever known,” it’s clear this is a love story written in the stars.
Jilly Anais and DeShaun Watson
Jilly Anais and her longtime love DeShaun Watson are officially engaged! The Cleveland Browns quarterback popped the question to the singer/content creator with the help of a gorgeous beachside backdrop. On March 16, the couple announced the news in a collab Instagram post, where Jilly beamed ear to ear while showing off her massive diamond ring. “Mrs. Watson loading…” she captioned the post, sending friends, fans, and NFL teammates into a frenzy.
Their love story first began in 2019 when Watson slid into Jilly’s IG DMs, and they’ve been inseparable ever since. From celebrating career wins to house-hunting together on Selling Sunset, these two have been building a life together—and now, wedding bells are otw.
Kyle Massey and Hana Giraldo
From Disney Channel star to fiancé, Kyle Massey is officially an engaged man! The That’s So Raven and Cory in the House alum popped the question to his longtime love, Hana Giraldo, daughter of rock legend Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo.
Hana announced the big news on Instagram, writing, “IM ENGAGED 💍 to my best friend, my soulmate, and my forever @kylemassey. A lifetime of love, laughter, and adventure begins now! I love you so much Xo.” The couple, who have been together for years, couldn’t be happier to step into this next chapter together. “I'm marrying my best friend, this is a dream come true,” Hana shared.
DeVon Franklin and Maria Castillo
DeVon Franklin and celebrity trainer Maria Castillo are engaged! The preacher and producer proposed during a romantic getaway in Maui on December 27, 2024, but the couple kept their engagement under wraps until February 2025 (which is why they are on this list), when they shared the news exclusively with PEOPLE.
DeVon, 46, gave them the deets of how he pulled off the ultimate surprise. As they posed on a grassy cliff for what she thought was a regular photo shoot, DeVon turned to Maria, 29, and told his bride-to-be, “You know, this whole time has really been an engagement photo shoot.” Shocked, Maria dropped to the ground before DeVon got down on one knee to pop the big question. “Finding Maria has been one of God’s greatest blessings in my life, so I wanted the proposal to be as special as our love,” DeVon told PEOPLE. “It was truly a magical moment, and I can’t wait to spend a magical life with Maria!”
The couple, who were introduced by a mutual friend last year, have been inseparable ever since. “To know I’ll be spending the rest of my life with this incredible man is a dream come true,” Maria shared with the outlet.
Zendaya and Tom Holland
This wouldn’t be a list of celebrity engagements of 2025 without the engagement announcement that kicked it all off: Zendaya and Tom Holland! The pair sparked loads of speculation after Zendaya blinded us with a stunning diamond ring at the Golden Globes in January 2025. And while the notoriously private couple has yet to publicly address the news, multiple reports have confirmed that they are, in fact, officially engaged.
Adding to the confirmation, PEOPLE recently reported that Tom’s Spider-Man co-star Jacob Batalon—who also got engaged this year—set the record straight about their proposal timelines. According to the publication, sources confirmed that Tom and Zendaya were engaged as of January 6, but Jacob argues that he had his proposal plans set in motion before Tom. “No, we did not know about each other's plans like that,” he told Metro Entertainment. “But I will say I thought about it first.”
Zendaya and Tom have always kept their love story low-key, so an official announcement might never come. But between the ring, the reports, and their inner circle spilling deets, it looks like they are locking it down on their own terms.
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Featured image by Normani/Instagram