From the moment he slipped on that silver chain in Normal People, Paul Mescal has been the internet’s collective crush. But while the Irish actor has been busy conquering Hollywood with blockbuster roles in Gladiator II, his private life has been a subject of even fiercer debate.

Paul Mescal is notoriously private—he famously stays off social media to protect his peace—but that hasn’t stopped the paparazzi from tracking his every move. In 2025, the headlines aren’t just about his Oscar nominations; they are about the woman holding his hand on the streets of London.

If you’ve been searching for “Who is Paul Mescal dating,” you’ve likely seen one name dominating the feed: Gracie Abrams. In this comprehensive breakdown, we are diving deep into his current relationship status, his history with Phoebe Bridgers, and the truth about those Daisy Edgar-Jones rumors.

The Current Flame: Gracie Abrams

After months of whispers, Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams have firmly established themselves as the “It Couple” of 2025. What started as low-key hangouts in mid-2024 has evolved into a public romance that fans can’t get enough of.

The Timeline of Their Romance

• The First Spark (Summer 2024): Rumors began swirling when Paul was spotted attending multiple Gracie Abrams concerts. Unlike a casual fan, he was seen in the VIP tent, often chatting with her family.
• London Sightings (Late 2024): The “soft launch” happened on the streets of London. Paparazzi captured the pair shopping in Mayfair and grabbing coffee, looking unmistakably comfortable together.
• The PDA Confirmation: By early 2025, they stopped hiding. From holding hands in New York’s West Village to Paul wearing Gracie’s merch, the message was clear: they are together.
• The Musical Connection: Fans have already started dissecting Gracie’s latest lyrics, looking for references to the Irish heartthrob. Given Paul’s history of inspiring heartbreaking ballads (we’re looking at you, Phoebe), listeners are eager to see how this relationship influences her sound.

This pairing of a brooding indie actor and a confessional pop star feels like it was written in a Gen Z laboratory. It mirrors other high-profile pairings, like the buzz surrounding Timothée Chalamet’s love life.

Listen to the voice that captured Paul’s heart.

Shop Gracie Abrams Vinyl

The Heartbreak Era: Phoebe Bridgers

You cannot talk about Paul Mescal’s dating life without discussing the Phoebe Bridgers chapter. This was the relationship that broke the internet—and then broke fans’ hearts.

They met via Twitter (now X) in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, after Phoebe tweeted about having a crush on him while watching Normal People. Their digital flirtation turned into a whirlwind romance that included music video cameos (Paul starred in “Savior Complex”) and a red carpet debut at the LACMA Art+Film Gala.

Why Did They Split?

The couple reportedly got engaged in late 2022, but by early 2023, it was over. While neither has explicitly detailed the breakup, Paul admitted in an interview with Hollywood Reporter that the public speculation around his personal life caused him “anger” and “grief.” The split was rumored to be messy, with speculation about overlaps with comedian Bo Burnham, though this was never confirmed.

Rumor Control: Daisy, Florence, and Natalie

Paul Mescal is often linked to his co-stars simply because of his intense on-screen chemistry. Let’s clear the air on the most persistent rumors.

Daisy Edgar-Jones

They are the definition of “soulmates,” but strictly platonic ones. Despite fans desperately wanting Connell and Marianne to be real, Paul and Daisy Edgar-Jones have consistently stated they are best friends. They often attend events together and speak highly of one another, but the romantic spark is purely fictional.

Florence Pugh

Following the BAFTAs in 2024, rumors flew that Paul and Florence Pugh were an item after they were seen leaving a party together. However, sources clarified they are just close friends in the same industry circle. Florence is currently happily linked to someone else (read more about Florence Pugh’s new boyfriend here).

Natalie Portman

In one of the stranger rumors of 2024, Paul was briefly linked to Natalie Portman after they were photographed laughing outside a bar in London. This was quickly debunked as a friendly outing between colleagues.

The Dating History: At A Glance

How does his current relationship compare to his past high-profile romance? Here is the breakdown.

For context on how other “Internet Daddies” handle their privacy, check out our article on Pedro Pascal’s dating life.

Go back to where it all began. Read the book that launched a career.

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Final Verdict: Off the Market

Sorry to the fans hoping for a chance with the Gladiator star, but Paul Mescal is officially off the market. His relationship with Gracie Abrams seems to be the real deal—a blend of supportive privacy and genuine connection.

While Paul will always be “Connell” to some, he is entering a new phase of his life and career in 2025, and he seems happier than ever. Whether this romance inspires a new album for Gracie or just more adorable street-style photos for us, we will be watching.

Curious about other celebrity relationships? Read about Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell’s chemistry.