The Truth About Tyra Banks' Dating History
If there's anything to note about the gorgeous Tyra Banks, is that she sure has a bold, outgoing personality. While this certainly helped her kick off her incredibly successful modeling career in the 1990s, which merged into her iconic endeavors as a television show host for "America's Top Model" and her own talk show, she has definitely had her own adventures in her personal life as well.
Since the early 1990s, Banks has been romantically linked with a list of men from A-list stars to lesser known, yet still successful names in the entertainment industry, all while being in the public eye. And although she never married, she welcomed a son, York Banks Asla, via surrogate in 2016 (via Elle). Banks has been open about her past relationships, sharing how they shaped her and made her strong. But the superstar has also been able to keep her relationships mainly on the down low, meaning there is still a lot of mystery surrounding her love life. But keep reading if you want to know what we know so far.
Tyra Banks has dated the likes of Will Smith and Seal
When it comes to her earlier known relationships, the former Victoria's Secret Angel was romantically linked to music video director Hype Williams (via Ranker). Williams is known for his work on iconic hip hop videos such as TLC's "No Scrubs" and Kanye West's "Gold Digger" (via Billboard). Little is known about the nature of their relationship, but they have been photographed together multiple times.
One of Tyra Banks' most famous relationships was with the one and only Will Smith. They both starred on the sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air," were Banks played Smith's ex-girlfriend, Jackie, during Season 4. The couple lasted for about a year from 1993 to 1994, and although the two never got serious, they claim that they are still good friends.
From 1993 to 1996, Banks was in a relationship with "Boyz n the Hood" director John Singleton. He directed her film debut, "Higher Learning," where she played Deja, the girlfriend of one of the main characters. According to CheatSheet, the two were madly in love during their relationship. When Singleton died from complications of a stroke in 2019, Banks paid homage to him on her social media.
Another major star Banks has dated is the singer-songwriter Seal, who has spawned hits such as "Crazy" and "Kiss From a Rose." The two were a fling for reportedly nine months, and they were photographed together only once at the 1996 Essence Awards.
Tyra Banks has been linked to athletes, photographers, and businessmen alike
One of the most impactful relationships in Tyra Banks' life was with NBA player Chris Webber. The two dated from 2002 until 2004, and were apparently very serious, even discussing marriage and children, according to CheatSheet. After their break up, Banks hinted at possible infidelity on Webber's part on "The Tyra Banks Show."
For one of her longest relationships, Banks was serious with Wall Street businessman John Utendahl from 2007 to 2011. She spoke about their relationship on "The Wendy Williams Show," and expressed their desire to have children, while not believing marriage was necessary. The reason for their split is unknown.
Banks' dream to be a mom came true with Norwegian photographer Erik Asla. The two started dating in 2013, and their son was born in 2016. Although they split the next year, according to People, the two still get along and work together professionally.
As far as Banks' most recent rendezvous, she has reportedly been an item with entrepreneur Louis Bélanger-Martin since 2019. According to Elle, the two have been living together, although Banks has been denying rumors that they are engaged.