Lupita Nyong’o spoke about her friendship with Janelle Monáe during a recent profile for Rolling Stone. In doing so, she commented on the rumors the two previously dated each other. The actress says that the rumors didn't come as a surprise.
“She has magnetism that they were obviously picking up on,” Nyong’o said. “She is that enigmatic. People are curious about enigmatic people. I was not surprised. And I don’t mind being associated with her in any capacity.”
Lupita Nyong’o With Janelle Monáe
Nyong’o also admitted that despite their close relationship, she still can't entirely know Monáe: “Just because you’re a close friend of hers doesn’t mean you get to know everything about her. I think that’s what makes her interesting as an artist.”
Speaking with Rolling Stone isn't the first time Nyong’o has commented on Monáe. At the Met Gala, she recalled the first time she met Monáe following her breakout role in the 2013 movie 12 Years A Slave. Nyong'o said: “This world is still extremely new to me and unbelievable. [Monáe] came up to me and just gave me the realest hug. I think we may have swayed to the music. She was just like, ‘I’m so proud of you, and just thank you for being you.’ […] At some point, [Monáe] asked me for my phone, put her number in, and said, ‘Let’s stay in touch.’ She was like, ‘I really mean it. If you need anything, I’m here for you.'”
The Rolling Stone profile comes ahead of the release of Monáe's new album, The Age of Pleasure. She shared the first single from the project, "Lipstick Lover," earlier this month. The full album will be releasing on June 9.
[Via]