This is Janelle Monáe.
![closeup of janelle](https://cdn.statically.io/img/img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2023-05/25/22/asset/f87c95da77b4/sub-buzz-995-1685053734-1.jpg?downsize=700%3A%2A&output-quality=auto&output-format=auto)
This is Lupita Nyong'o.
Individually, they're two of Hollywood's most celebrated entertainers.
Together, their chemistry is undeniable. So undeniable that people started assuming they were in a not-so-secret relationship once upon a time.
![Lupita and Janelle holding hands as they speak to each other at an event](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2023-05/25/22/asset/3f665b88bb34/sub-buzz-922-1685053214-4.jpg)
And now, Lupita's here to set the record straight about their rumored love affair.
![closeup of lupita](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2023-05/25/22/asset/3d854aea1a4d/sub-buzz-979-1685053751-1.jpg)
In a Rolling Stone cover story about Janelle, Lupita opened up about their relationship. "She has [a] magnetism that [people] were obviously picking up on."
![lupita and janelle hugging](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2023-05/25/22/asset/63937f6e4d15/sub-buzz-935-1685053161-1.jpg)
"She is that enigmatic. People are curious about enigmatic people," she added.
![the two at an event](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2023-05/25/22/asset/3d854aea1a4d/sub-buzz-975-1685053766-2.jpg)
And Lupita's not fazed at all by the dating rumors with the "extremely gifted" singer, even saying, "I don't mind being associated with her in any capacity."
![the two on the red carpet](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2023-05/25/22/asset/63937f6e4d15/sub-buzz-943-1685053176-1.jpg)
"It's built into her spirit," Lupita shared. "Her openness creates intimacy on screen. It's really cool to see her move from one thing to another and do it with such mastery."
![Janelle dancing in a sequined bikini at a Met Gala after party](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2023-05/25/22/asset/3d854aea1a4d/sub-buzz-939-1685052919-2.jpg)
But according to Lupita, being a bosom buddy with Janelle won't uncover all the mystery behind the artist. "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."
![the two at an event](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2023-05/25/22/asset/3d854aea1a4d/sub-buzz-983-1685053798-2.jpg)
As for Janelle, they prefer to hold onto her reputation as an enigma. "I have a policy and agreement with myself — that is a part of my life that I want to keep private. I can talk about my identity; I can talk about my sexuality," they said to Rolling Stone. "I can talk about all things Janelle Monáe without having to go into detail. You know what I mean? It’s not necessary."
![Yara Shahidi looking up excitedly at Janelle and Lupita at the Met Gala](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2023-05/26/15/asset/24c92f1d5457/sub-buzz-779-1685114872-2.jpg)
When it comes to the mystery of Janelle's personal life, they play by their own rules. "I'm not obligated to share my story. Nobody's obligated."
![janelle dancing](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2023-05/25/22/asset/e7ba48345f2d/sub-buzz-956-1685052882-1.jpg)