Angelina Jolie has been romantically linked to rapper Akala for over a year and has been spotted with him in places from Venice to New York.
But at the Rosewood London hotel Christmas party this week, Akala, 40, dispelled rumors of a romance with the actress, 49.
He arrived with Chanelle Newman and introduced the film producer to other guests as his “girlfriend.”
Chanelle is said to be friends with Angelina, and recent reports suggest that the British rapper’s relationship with the Hollywood star is purely platonic.
Despite months of speculation that the couple had a romance together, a source says People that it’s just friendly.
The trio “all work together” and Akala’s partner goes with them to “every event,” their source adds.
Angelina Jolie has been romantically linked to rapper Akala for more than a year and has been spotted with him in places from Venice to New York, but this week Akala, 40, dispelled rumors of a romance
When he arrived at the Rosewood London hotel Christmas party, he dispelled romance rumors by introducing Chanelle Newman (pictured) as his girlfriend.
Rumors of a romance have been swirling since May, after In Touch reported that Angelina and Akala, whose real name is Kingsley James McLean Daley, have been dating for “more than a year.”
In August, they were reportedly seen leaving a Venice hotel together during the Venice Film Festival, reigniting romance rumors.
“She and Akala are not dating,” People’s source said. ‘She is friends with him and his partner Chanelle, who was also there.’
The insider added that they have been friends for “several years” and that they “share the same passion when it comes to social and humanitarian causes.”
Adding that the stars “have done several collabs over the years that focus on global issues such as human rights. Angie speaks very highly of him.’
Angelina has been seen with Akala several times, including her London premiere for her opera singer film Maria.
He has been with her at promotional events for her film Maria in New York City and Venice, as well as parties for her Atelier Jolie brand.
He was pictured in an Instagram carousel shared with her brand Atelier Jolie.
Angelina shares six children with ex-husband Brad Pitt: sons Maddox, 22, Pax, 20, and Knox, 16, and daughters Zahara, 19, Shiloh, 18, and Vivienne, 16.
Rumors of a romance have been swirling since May, after In Touch reported that Angelina and Akala, whose real name is Kingsley James McLean Daley, had been dating for “over a year”
Jolie was previously married to Brad Pitt, but he is now in a relationship with jewelry manager Ines de Ramon; seen here in September in NYC
Angelina is in the middle of a lawsuit with Brad, 60, centering on their Chateau Miraval Winery – amid their eight-year divorce.
He sued her for selling her half of the winery in October 2021 for $67 million.
They married in August 2014 after ten years together, but Angelina filed for divorce in September 2016.
A judge granted them both single status on April 12, 2019, as the couple continued to finalize their divorce.
In August, 18-year-old Angelina and Brad’s daughter Shiloh dropped her Pitt last name and legally changed her name to Shiloh Nouvel Jolie — formerly Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
She first filed the petition on May 27, her 18th birthday.
Their youngest daughter Vivienne chose to leave father Brad’s last name on the bill of The Outsiders and chose Vivienne Jolie.
Meanwhile, Brad, 60, is dating Paul Wesley’s ex-wife Ines de Ramon, 34.