Cynthia Erivo and Lena Waithe have allegedly been quietly dating for years, and their latest appearance at the NAACP Image Awards over the weekend has once again sparked conversation — especially after engagement rumors initially popped up a few weeks ago.
The two arrived together at the February 22 NAACP event, where Erivo was nominated for Entertainer of the Year and Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for Wicked.
Cynthia Erivo and Lena Waithe at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards
Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for BET
Their outing follows weeks of speculation about their relationship status after Erivo was spotted wearing a diamond ring at the 2025 Grammys, where the two of them briefly met up. Though it was later confirmed not to be an engagement ring, it reignited rumors surrounding their notoriously private romance.
Cynthia Erivo and Lena Waithe spark engagement rumors at the 2025 Grammys
Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Despite never publicly confirming (or, really, denying) their relationship, Erivo and Waithe have been closely linked since at least 2020, though they initially met at the Met Gala in 2018.
Photo by Taylor Jewell/Getty Images for Vogue
Waithe recalled in an interview with Variety that she had been a fan of Erivo’s work in The Color Purple long before they connected in person, where they had “been vibing” ever since they met.
Erivo echoed the sentiment on one of the rare photos on her Instagram feed of the two of them together, where she referred to Waithe as “perfection.”
Over the next few years, the two were frequently spotted at various events, including the BET Awards, the GLAAD Media Awards, and the Golden Globes.
Cynthia Erivo and Lena Waithe attend the 2019 NAACP Image Awards
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for NAACP
Although they’re mostly only spotted at these events, their growing closeness also coincided with Waithe’s split from ex-wife Alana Mayo, whose divorce was finalized in 2021.
Photo by Michael Buckner/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images
Though they keep their personal lives out of the spotlight, their unwavering support for each other is evident.
Cynthia Erivo and Lena Waithe 2020 portrait
Photo by Michael Buckner/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images
Waithe was present at the Wicked premiere in 2024, seen holding Erivo’s gown at the Tony Awards and seated beside her at the 2025 Golden Globes and Grammys.
Cynthia Erivo and Lena Waithe at 2022 BET Lifetime Achievement Awards
Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Sean “Diddy” Combs
Meanwhile, Erivo has expressed admiration for Waithe and has celebrated her birthday with a heartfelt social media post.
While fans continue to speculate about their relationship, Erivo and Waithe remain committed to keeping things low-key.
Cynthia Erivo and Lena Waithe at the 2022 Grammy Awards
Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Their NAACP Awards appearance was just the latest example of their quiet but constant presence in each other’s lives—no public declarations necessary.
Photo by Bruce Glikas/WireImage
While we respect their privacy, we have to say, we’re also totally supportive of this relationship.
Cynthia Erivo and Lana Waithe together at the 2024 Gold Gala
Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for FIJI Water
I mean, could you literally ask for a cuter couple to represent strong Black queer women?!
Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions
We may never know the full extent of their relationship or their love together, but we hope they keep us guessing.
Cynthia Erivo and Lena Waithe with Ariana Grande at the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards
Photo by Stuart Wilson/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA
And we hope they keep showing up to support each other every step of the way. Perhaps we’ll get a more telling answer about the “not an engagement” ring when Erivo undoubtedly finishes her EGOT collection at the upcoming 2025 Oscars.
