Ella Purnell, the English actress once linked to Brad Pitt by widespread speculation, has firmly denied any romantic involvement with the Hollywood star. The rumors, which surfaced in 2017, claimed a relationship between Purnell and Pitt, but she clarified that the stories were false as they had never met.
The Origins of Brad Pitt Dating Rumours About Ella Purnell
The dating rumours between Ella Purnell and Brad Pitt appeared in 2017, capturing public attention despite being unfounded. At that time, Purnell was 21 years old, while Pitt was 53 and recently separated from Angelina Jolie, whose divorce proceedings began in late 2016. These rumours emerged shortly after Purnell was cast in the leading role of the television series Sweetbitter, produced by Pitt.
In a candid interview with The Independent, Purnell expressed how overwhelming and distressing the rumours had been. She described the experience as insane and crazy, explaining that it initially amused her since she had never met Pitt and even joked about the story with her friends. However, it soon got out of control when family and strangers alike contacted her with congratulations.
As the coverage intensified, the tone turned hostile. Critics accused Purnell of being a gold digger and labeled her with other harsh terms. Despite this, Pitt avoided similar scrutiny over the significant age gap featured in the speculation. Purnell noted the double standard and the unfair gender bias she experienced.
“The implication was that I only got the Sweetbitter role because I slept with the producer. No one would say that about a 21-year-old male lead.”
— Ella Purnell, Actress
Understanding the Age Gap Between Ella Purnell and Brad Pitt
The rumours were partly fueled by the considerable age difference between Purnell and Pitt, which spans 33 years. Ella Purnell was born on September 17, 1996, while Brad Pitt was born on December 18, 1963. This large gap intensified the public’s fascination and suspicion over the alleged relationship.
Brad Pitt’s Current Engagement and Relationship Status
Brad Pitt is currently engaged to Ines de Ramon, a jewellery designer whom he began dating in 2022. Their relationship has steadily grown more serious, with De Ramon standing out for her preference to remain out of the public eye. Pitt reportedly values this discretion greatly, a marked contrast to his previous high-profile partnerships.
The couple’s first red carpet appearance occurred in late 2024, followed by reports in October 2025 confirming they were living together and described as being happier than ever.
Ella Purnell’s Relationship With Musician Max Bennett Kelly
Ella Purnell’s current romantic life involves a steady relationship with American musician Max Bennett Kelly. The couple began dating in January 2022, during a flourishing period in Purnell’s acting career, which includes notable roles in Yellowjackets, Arcane, Fallout, and Army of the Dead.
Max Bennett Kelly is recognized as an indie musician and songwriter known for his distinctive, alternative sound that mixes witty, sharp lyrics with catchy melodies. His music often explores themes related to modern relationships, introspection, and emotional nuance.
Kelly’s popular songs include Happy, Healthy, Well-Adjusted, The Outsiders, So Far Gone, Birthday, Always Never Again, and Superinlove (Roll Credits). He has also collaborated with artists like Belaganas on tracks such as Four Seasons and released a project in 2025 titled True Modern Romance, reflecting the complexities of contemporary love.
Clarifying False Reports About Ella Purnell and Tom Holland
Ella Purnell has also been mistakenly linked romantically to actor Tom Holland, a speculation that lacks truth. Both young stars were rising talents in the entertainment world, making them frequent targets for rumours. However, Holland’s only confirmed relationship has been with Zendaya, whom he met during the filming of Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2017.
Holland and Zendaya officially confirmed their romance in November 2021, and by 2023, they had moved into a £3 million home together in London. The couple became engaged in December 2024, further solidifying their long-term commitment.
Ella Purnell’s Marital Status: No Marriage, No Husband
Contrary to some misinformation, Ella Purnell is not married and has no husband. Her publicly known relationship is solely with musician Max Bennett Kelly. Throughout her career and personal life, she has maintained a private stance on her relationships, aside from addressing false rumours.
The Importance of Dispelling False Romantic Allegations
The unfounded rumours connecting Ella Purnell to Brad Pitt originated with her casting in Sweetbitter, where Pitt served as executive producer. Despite the widespread media attention, Purnell has stated clearly that she and Pitt had never met when the rumours circulated. These fabricated claims caused distress, highlighting the challenges actors face with misleading gossip and gender-based criticism.
Brad Pitt’s current life with Ines de Ramon and Purnell’s relationship with Max Bennett Kelly underscore the truth behind the false stories and emphasize their separate personal paths. Understanding and recognizing the harm caused by these baseless rumours is essential in respecting the privacy and dignity of public figures.
