Elle Fanning’s love life has attracted attention once again as she celebrates two years with boyfriend Gus Wenner. The couple, both active in the creative industries, have been public about their relationship since 2024, offering an inside look at how their romance has unfolded.
A New Chapter Begins for Elle Fanning
After ending a four-year relationship with Max Minghella, Elle Fanning described herself as a “hopeless romantic,” setting the stage for what would come next. Speaking with Harper’s Bazaar U.K. in April 2023, she openly shared her belief in fate and the immediate spark that can ignite a romance.
“I believe in love at first sight. Call me crazy, but I believe in those things. I feel that it’s my destiny,”
Elle Fanning explained to Harper’s Bazaar U.K. in 2023.
Within the same year of her previous breakup, Fanning began dating Gus Wenner. While their romance developed privately at first, the couple made their relationship public in January 2024 by appearing together at the Golden Globes. Their affectionate appearance drew comments from fans and the media, as Fanning was notably taller than Wenner at the event, embracing the trend of ‘short kings’ in Hollywood romance.
Gus Wenner: A Background in Academia and Publishing
Raised between New York City and Idaho, Gus Wenner’s academic journey led him to Brown University in Rhode Island. He graduated in 2012, marking the beginning of his professional ambitions. The details of his upbringing and schooling were chronicled in a profile in Brown Alumni Magazine from January 2024.
Heritage and Influence: The Rolling Stone Connection
Gus Wenner is the son of Jane Schindelheim and Jann Wenner, with his father Jann Wenner being one of the founders of Rolling Stone magazine alongside Ralph J. Gleason. Gus continued in the family tradition, joining Rolling Stone and advancing through various leadership positions. By January 2022, he had become the magazine’s chief executive officer, after earlier serving as president and chief operating officer from 2017 to 2022.
In May 2025, it was announced that Gus Wenner would transition to the executive chairman position at Rolling Stone, with Julian Holguin stepping in as CEO. This transition was viewed as a strategic move for the company, as outlined by Penske Media Corporation chairman, Jay Penske:
“Rolling Stone is poised for continued success leveraging Gus’ deep experience and vision for the brand and Julian’s keen business instincts and passion for innovation,”
said Jay Penske, Chairman and CEO of Penske Media Corporation.
“Rolling Stone will continue its rich legacy of world class journalism and culture-shaping conversation while creating new avenues for growth,”
Penske emphasized in the same statement.
Gus Wenner’s Creative Pursuits in Music and Film
Beyond his executive role in media, Gus Wenner also developed his musical talents during college. While at Brown, he formed a music duo called Gus + Scout with Scout Willis, daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis. They released a self-titled EP in 2012, marking their only official project together. Reflecting on their connection, Scout Willis discussed their origins in a 2012 interview:
“We were only ever really friends at a very, very young age, and then were only just aware of each other in adolescence,”
recalled Scout Willis.
“It wasn’t until my freshman year at Brown that we connected in a real way and began playing music together,”
she shared during the interview.
Gus Wenner’s creative ventures extend to the film industry as well. He began as an executive producer in 2023 with “Little Richard: I Am Everything.” He also contributed to several short films and was involved in episodes of the 2025 project “The Fall of Diddy.” His latest progression in film was working as a producer on “Highway 99: A Double Album,” directed by Ethan Hawke in 2025.
The Evolution of Elle Fanning and Gus Wenner’s Romance
Elle Fanning and Gus Wenner were first seen together in November 2023 on a dinner date in New York City, sparking rumors about their relationship. It wasn’t until January 2024, when they appeared as a couple at the Golden Globes, that they confirmed their status to the public. Their romance has continued to capture attention with affectionate social media posts.
On Valentine’s Day in February 2024, Elle called Gus her “funny Valentine” in a heartfelt tribute. A year later, Gus shared his own message on social media, posting a clip of Elle at a night market:
“Everyday is valentines day my love 💜🪽🍦✨ you are my heart,”
Wenner wrote, accompanying his Instagram post in February 2025.
The pair attended the 2026 Golden Globes together, marking two years as a couple and reinforcing their ongoing commitment with another joint appearance at The Beverly Hilton Hotel.
Family Support: Dakota Fanning’s Approval
Elle’s older sister, Dakota Fanning, has publicly expressed her support for Elle and Gus’s relationship. During a joint interview for Vanity Fair in September 2025, Elle discussed the importance of sharing her relationship on social media and revealed that Dakota had warmly embraced Gus:
“If your partner doesn’t post you on Instagram, that’s a red flag. I love my boyfriend, and we’re going to post each other,”
Elle stated in Vanity Fair.
“I’m so happy. And Dakota loves him. That’s the seal of approval.”
Elle recalled the first meeting between Dakota and Gus, which took place at a party in Las Vegas while Elle was in Paris. According to Elle, Dakota and her friends spent the night gambling and dancing with Gus, with Elle receiving videos of their lively evening:
“They had this whole night of gambling. Dakota was with all of her girlfriends, and I’m getting sent videos. She’s dancing with Gus,”
Elle recounted.
Dakota remembered the night fondly and pointed out that she took the opportunity to underline to Gus how significant Elle is to her:
“I used some stern words. Just warnings, cautions said with a smile,”
Dakota added in the interview.
“It went great. He’s the brother I never had.”
What Lies Ahead for Elle Fanning and Gus Wenner
The relationship between Elle Fanning and Gus Wenner appears to be going strong, supported by both public appearances and positive remarks from close family. Gus’s ongoing involvement in Rolling Stone as executive chairman, his film and music endeavors, and Elle’s own successful career suggest both are balancing demanding professional lives with their romance.
With endorsements from family members and a foundation of mutual respect, their relationship continues to draw public attention and admiration. As both Fanning and Wenner remain active in their fields, observers can anticipate future collaborations—whether artistic or social—further entwining their personal and professional journeys. The couple’s story stands as a testament to finding love and partnership amid the demands of public life and creative ambition.
