Gigi Paris, former partner of Glen Powell, is speaking publicly for the first time about her breakup with Powell following widespread Glen Powell romance rumors and Anyone But You publicity. Her comments come nearly a year after Powell and his Anyone But You co-star Sydney Sweeney revealed how they played into false relationship speculation to promote their movie, which went on to bring in $220 million globally.
Gigi Paris Details Emotional Impact of Breakup
On a recent episode of the Too Much podcast, Paris recounted the personal toll caused by the media storm and her highly visible separation from Powell. Paris referenced the strain brought on by public gossip without identifying Powell or Sweeney by name, discussing the ending of her relationship with a well-known celebrity.
“I just wanted respect, especially if it’s gonna be public,”
Paris expressed on the podcast. Paris described how difficult it was to watch rumors of an off-screen romance between Powell and Sweeney swirl, while feeling the lack of clarity and support during that period. She noted how painful it was to have her years-long partnership unravel under the spotlight of fabricated headlines.
“Like, don’t make an ass out of me,”
Paris said.
“Like, just don’t make a fool out of someone you’ve been with for over three years talking about forever with. Just have some decency, you know? And at the end of the day, it was like, well, work comes first. And if that’s the case, power to you, that’s your priority. I gotta walk away. What sucked was how it was handled. I felt like I was just fed to the dogs… It wasn’t [gaslighting], it was just, ‘This is what I have to do for my job.’”
—Gigi Paris, model and podcast guest
Powell and Sweeney’s Perspective on Media Strategy
Both Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney acknowledged in interviews that they strategically embraced rumors about their relationship. Speaking to The New York Times and later to Variety, Powell emphasized the natural chemistry he shared with Sweeney and suggested the fabricated narratives aligned with audience interests.
“Sydney and I have a ton of fun together, and we have a ton of effortless chemistry. That’s people wanting what’s on the screen off the screen, and sometimes you just have to lean into it a bit — and it worked wonderfully. Sydney is very smart.”
—Glen Powell, actor
Sweeney, who helped oversee the movie’s promotion as producer, described her approach to engaging viewers during the film’s marketing blitz. She credited the audience for fueling much of the public fascination that surrounded their working partnership.
“I wanted to make sure that we were actively having a conversation with the audience as we were promoting this film, because at the end of the day, they’re the ones who created the entire narrative.”
—Sydney Sweeney, actor and producer
Personal Fallout and the End of a Relationship
Paris recounted becoming emotionally devastated upon realizing there was little interest in clearing up the rumors. She described traveling to Australia—where Anyone But You was filmed—only to be discouraged from visiting the set after discussions between Powell and the producers.
“He called and said, ‘The producers and I have discussed that I think it’s best that you don’t come to visit’ … And that’s when I hung up. And I was like, this motherfucker is done to me,”
Paris said.
“That phone call really is what broke me. I thought we had hope, like, maybe when I got there that, like, things would maybe get better. But once I got that phone call, I just knew it was done. I had lost whoever that person was that I loved.”
—Gigi Paris, model and podcast guest
Despite her hope for reconciliation, Paris realized the relationship could not withstand the circumstances created by the film’s promotion and the priorities weighed by those involved.
What the Future Holds After the Success of ‘Anyone But You’
After the resounding box office performance of Anyone But You, Powell indicated he and Sweeney are exploring new projects together, confirming continued professional collaboration despite the controversy. Powell encouraged writers and creators to present new scripts that might capture similar public attention.
“Please send us all the scripts you got,”
Powell said.
“You know we’re here for it. It’s been really wonderful to read a lot. Sydney reads everything, by the way, and in record time. She’s the fastest reader I think I’ve ever met. It takes me a little longer, but we’re reading everything and just trying to see what makes sense, what we can turn into something that audiences are going to respond to.”
—Glen Powell, actor
Variety reports that Powell’s team has been contacted for further comment, leaving open questions about the lasting personal and professional impacts of the film’s publicity campaign. As Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney evaluate their next projects, the emotional consequences of intensive movie marketing and personal relationships entwined with celebrity culture remain under discussion.
