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In the world of glitz and glamour, where almost every aspect of a celebrity’s life is under the public’s hawk-eye, some stars have boldly broken traditional norms and embraced unconventional love in the form of open or polyamorous relationships. This article shines a spotlight on 17 such celebrities who’ve explored the dynamics of non-monogamous relationships and have shared their experiences in an effort to dismantle societal stigmas.
Defining Open and Polyamorous Relationships
Before diving into the stories of these celebrities, let’s clarify the concepts of open and polyamorous relationships. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different types of non-monogamous relationships.
An open relationship is one where partners explore various connections with others, which can be romantic, sexual or otherwise, depending on the agreement between the parties involved. Meanwhile, polyamory involves an individual partaking in multiple romantic or sexual relationships, once again, based on the arrangements between the involved parties.
Importantly, these relationships are not equivalent to infidelity. They are established on the pillars of consent, communication and mutual understanding.
Celebrities Pioneering Open and Polyamorous Relationships
There are many celebrities who’ve openly discussed their journey into open and polyamorous relationships. Some are more public about their multiple partners, while others choose to keep the details private. Let’s uncover the stories of these celebrities.
1. Georges LeBar & RuPaul
Georges LeBar and RuPaul have been in an open marriage for several years. RuPaul candidly commented on their relationship, stating that monogamy is unrealistic for men.
2. Dolly Parton
Country music legend Dolly Parton and her husband Carl Dean share a unique kind of open relationship. It’s non-sexual in nature; Dolly is free to flirt and have fun with other men, but the line is drawn at physical intimacy.
3. Shailene Woodley
Shailene Woodley, the star of the Divergent series, revealed her experiences with both monogamous and open relationships. She believes that relationships should have no rules, except for those set by the people involved.
4. Tana Mongeau
YouTube sensation Tana Mongeau had a high-profile polyamorous relationship with Bella Thorne and Mod Sun. This relationship taught her a lot about herself and the different perspectives on love and relationships.
5. Mod Sun
Musician and poet Mod Sun was part of the same polyamorous relationship with Tana Mongeau and Bella Thorne. He has not openly discussed this relationship, but has spoken about his monogamous relationship with Thorne.
6. Doja Cat
Rapper Doja Cat was in an open relationship with Jawny for a period of six months, revealing another facet of her personal life to her fans.
7. Willow Smith
Willow Smith, daughter of actors Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, expressed her preference for polyamory, asserting her equal love for men and women.
8. Will Smith & Jada Pinkett Smith
Arguably the most well-known couple in an open relationship, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith have been candid about their arrangement. They believe that as long as one can look at oneself in the mirror and be okay, they should be free to do as they please.
9. Bella Thorne
Bella Thorne had a high-profile open relationship with Tana Mongeau and Mod Sun. She has defended her dating choices and refers to her experience as ‘fun’.
10. Baron Vaughn
Actor Baron Vaughn has spoken about being in a ‘triad’, a three-way relationship where everyone is involved with each other.
11. Nico Tortorella
Nico Tortorella and their partner Bethany C. Meyers have been in a polyamorous relationship for years. They have openly discussed their experiences and perspectives on polyamory.
12. Neil Gaiman
Famed author Neil Gaiman and his now estranged wife Amanda Palmer were in an open marriage for several years. However, they decided to end their non-monogamy when their son turned four.
13. YUNGBLUD
Musician YUNGBLUD revealed in an interview that he identifies as polyamorous. He discovered this aspect of his personality after interacting with people and understanding their perspectives on sexuality and gender.
14. William Daniels & Bonnie Bartlett
Veteran actors William Daniels and Bonnie Bartlett had an open marriage for a while. Bonnie revealed in her memoir that their relationship could have ended at any time during the first decade, but their mutual love kept them together.
These celebrities, with their open and polyamorous relationships, are challenging traditional notions of love and partnership. By sharing their stories, they aim to break down societal barriers and redefine the concept of love in the 21st century.
