In 2017, Ella Purnell found herself at the center of widespread Brad Pitt dating rumours, which she has firmly denied, clarifying that she had never even met the actor. This claim arose during the period she landed a lead role in the television series Sweetbitter, which Pitt executive produced, drawing false speculation about their relationship.
False Romantic Claims and Their Origins
When Purnell was 21, tabloids inaccurately reported a romance between her and Brad Pitt, who was then 53 and separated from Angelina Jolie. These reports surfaced shortly after Purnell was cast in Sweetbitter, a project linked to Pitt through his executive producer role.
Reflecting on the episode in an interview with The Independent, Purnell described the rumors as “insane” and “crazy.” Initially, she found the speculation amusing since she had never actually met Pitt and even joked about it with friends. However, the story quickly escalated, with her family sending congratulatory messages the very next morning as the news spread.
The narrative soon took a hostile turn, with online commentators accusing Purnell of being a gold digger and other derogatory terms, while Pitt escaped criticism despite their significant age gap. The actress highlighted the double standard, stating that such assumptions would be unlikely if she were a man.
“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
Exploring the Age Gap Between Ella Purnell and Brad Pitt
Ella Purnell was born on September 17, 1996, while Brad Pitt’s birthday is December 18, 1963, creating an age difference of 33 years. This disparity contributed to skepticism and criticism when the dating rumours emerged, underscoring the challenges Purnell faced amidst the gossip.
Current Relationship of Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt is engaged to Ines de Ramon, a jewellery designer he was first linked with in 2022. Unlike his past relationships, De Ramon maintains a low profile, a trait Pitt appreciates deeply. The couple’s relationship has reportedly strengthened over time, culminating in public red carpet appearances by late 2024.
By October 2025, insider sources confirmed that Pitt and De Ramon were cohabiting and described their bond as “happier than ever,” signaling a stable and committed partnership beyond his earlier high-profile romances.
Ella Purnell’s Personal Life and Partner
Ella Purnell is currently in a relationship with Max Bennett Kelly, an American indie musician and songwriter known for blending sharp lyrics with melodic tunes. Their relationship began in January 2022 during a phase of significant career advancement for Purnell.
Kelly’s music addresses themes such as modern relationships and emotional complexity, with notable tracks including “Happy, Healthy, Well-Adjusted,” “The Outsiders,” and “Superinlove (Roll Credits).” His 2025 project, True Modern Romance, delves into contemporary love’s nuances, paralleling Purnell’s own mature relationship progression away from early career gossip.
Dispelling Other Relationship Rumours Involving Ella Purnell
Speculation that linked Ella Purnell romantically to Tom Holland also proved unfounded. Both young actors were rising stars at the time, making them targets for baseless gossip. Holland’s confirmed relationship has been with Zendaya, whom he met during filming of Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2017. After years of rumors, they publicly confirmed their relationship in November 2021.
Following their engagement in December 2024, Holland and Zendaya moved into a London residence valued at £3 million in 2023, solidifying their private romantic life away from tabloid interference.
Clarifying Ella Purnell’s Marital Status
Despite persistent rumors, Ella Purnell is not married and has never had a husband. Her current known partnership is with Max Bennett Kelly, which aligns with her focus on career and personal growth rather than public romantic speculation.
The Broader Impact of the Rumours and Media Sensation
The false narrative around Ella Purnell and Brad Pitt rose primarily because of Sweetbitter, in which Pitt was an executive producer, and Purnell took a leading role. The two had no personal relationship at the time rumors circulated, making the claims baseless and reflective of the intense media frenzy surrounding celebrities.
This episode highlights how quickly unfounded stories can affect young actors’ reputations, especially women, exposing ongoing gender biases in the entertainment industry where male actors rarely face similar insinuations.
Going forward, both Purnell and Pitt appear to maintain their distinct personal lives, focusing on their careers and true partnerships, with Purnell distancing herself from past tabloid narratives that did not reflect reality.
