Actress Angelina Jolie, 49, and rapper and social activist Akala, 40, have been frequently spotted together recently, sparking romance rumours.

Akala was seen attending the premiere of Angelina Jolie’s film Maria at the New York Film Festival on September 29. Angelina smiled as the rapper hugged Pax Thien, her adopted Vietnamese son, at the event.

The day before, Akala attended a party hosted by Angelina Jolie at her Atelier Jolie gallery in New York. In a photo introducing the event posted on Atelier Jolie’s Instagram account on September 28, Akala listens attentively to Angelina’s conversation with the guest, poet and singer Mustafa.

The rapper and Angelina Jolie’s frequent appearances together have led many to believe that they are dating. Akala was first photographed with Angelina Jolie at the Calabash Literary Festival in Jamaica. The singer was accompanied by the actress and her two daughters, Zahara and Shiloh. At the time, In Touch reported that they had been dating for at least a year.

However, in August, a source told People that the two were just friends. Akala is said to be in a relationship with Chanelle Newman, co-founder and executive producer of the Hip-hop Shakespeare Company.

“They have been friends for many years. They share a passion for social activism and humanitarian issues. They have collaborated a number of times on human rights issues. Angie has great respect for him,” the source said.

Us Weekly also quoted a source on October 2 saying that Angelina and Akala are just close friends. The insider said that the Maleficent star is still single and focusing on work.

Angelina Jolie has not publicly dated anyone since her divorce from actor Brad Pitt in 2016. She keeps her private life private, only sharing about her 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren and work.