Alia Shawkat has addressed the rumors that she dated Brad Pitt, which began circulating nearly seven years ago. Appearing on "Watch What Happens Live" with Andy Cohen, Shawkat, 37, clarified her relationship with the Oscar winner, 62, explaining they met through filmmaker Spike Jonze and have maintained a friendship.
The speculation intensified after Shawkat and Pitt were photographed together on multiple occasions in 2019 and 2020, including at an art exhibition and a concert. Cohen recalled the gossip, telling Shawkat, "I was obsessed with the Brad Pitt dating rumors." Kristen Stewart, also a guest on the show, agreed, stating, "Me too. I was enthralled."
Shawkat explained, "He’s just my friend. We became friends." She described Pitt as "really into art" and "very cool." She also noted the public perception, adding, "Everyone thought we were dating, because if you stand next to him, everyone thinks you’re dating. Like, even his own mother."
Speculation initially sparked after the pair attended the “L.A. on Fire” art exhibition together in November 2019. A source close to Pitt told People at the time that "absolutely nothing romantic is going on." Shawkat also recounted a conversation with Pitt from January 2022, where she informed him about the rumors. According to Shawkat, Pitt had "no awareness of it at all" and responded that "if you hang out with me, it happens."
Despite any potential frustration with the rumors, Shawkat shared that her grandmother was delighted by the media attention, saving a copy of Us Weekly featuring Shawkat on the cover.
Pitt has since been romantically linked with jewelry designer Ines de Ramon since late 2022. Shawkat has reportedly been linked with Phil Burgers since at least late 2023, with whom she welcomed their first child.