Lupita Nyong'o has addressed rumours of a past romance between herself and her close friend Janelle Monáe.

The actors, who became close after meeting at the 2014 Met Gala, have faced dating speculation over the years. Nyong'o is now in a relationship with her Emmy-nominated producer boyfriend Selema Masekela.

Still, the 40-year-old understands people’s fascination surrounding her friendship with Monáe, which she gushed about during a recent interview about her pal with Rolling Stone.

'She is that enigmatic. People are curious about enigmatic people,' Nyong’o said of the singer, who came out as pansexual in 2018.

While she said she was 'not surprised' by the romance rumours, Nyong’o added: 'I don't mind being associated with her in any capacity.'

The Oscar winner referred to Glass Onion star Monáe as 'extremely gifted'.

She added: 'It's built into her spirit. Her openness creates intimacy onscreen. It's really cool to see her move from one thing to another and do it with such mastery.'

Nevertheless, Nyong’o added: 'Just because you're a close friend of hers doesn't mean you get to know everything about her. I think that's what makes her interesting as an artist.'

Monáe is known for keeping her love life private and noted in the publication: 'I have a policy and agreement with myself—that is a part of my life that I want to keep private.'

She added: 'I can talk about my identity, I can talk about my sexuality. I can talk about all things Janelle Monáe without having to go into detail. You know what I mean? It's not necessary.'

Back in 2017, Black Panther star Nyong’o was asked if she was in a romantic relationship, and she responded: 'You can ask, but you definitely won’t get an answer.'

'There have been rumours and rumours and rumours about my love life. That's the one area that I really like to hold close to my heart.'

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