After a whirlwind, highly publicized romance with comedian Pete Davidson, which ultimately concluded in August 2022, Kim Kardashian found herself at a crossroads in her love life. The reality star, ever in the public eye, expressed a clear desire to navigate her next relationship with significantly more discretion, aiming for a different, more grounded approach to love. This intention set the stage for a connection that would, for months, remain shrouded in whispers and speculation.
The whispers grew louder as reports linked her to NFL wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. The pairing of the reality TV mogul and the athletic star instantly captivated fans, but their reported romance was notably kept under wraps. It wasn’t just Kim’s personal preference for privacy; insiders suggested two significant hurdles loomed large, shaping how their relationship unfolded: the complex shadow of her ex-husband Kanye West and the fear of being unfairly labeled a ‘homewrecker.’
We’re diving deep into the intricate dance of Kim and Odell’s reported relationship, from its mysterious beginnings and the calculated steps taken to keep it private, to the moments it subtly peeked into the public sphere. Join us as we unravel the story of a high-profile coupling that defied the usual celebrity playbook, marked by caution, speculation, and a desire for genuine connection amidst the intense scrutiny of Hollywood.
1. **Kim’s Evolving Approach to Love: Seeking Privacy After Public Romances**Following her split from Pete Davidson, Kim Kardashian revealed a thoughtful shift in her perspective on dating. During an episode of her Hulu reality series, *The Kardashians*, in June 2023, she openly discussed what she had learned from her previous high-profile relationship. Kim admitted that the media’s intense focus had made her feel like she was in a very serious relationship far too quickly, and she expressed a clear longing to ‘sneak around a little bit,’ emphasizing that ‘there’s nothing wrong with wanting to sneak!’ This sentiment underscored a newfound desire for a more private courtship, away from the immediate glare of headlines.
In May 2023, Kim had shared her overarching philosophy on love during an interview on The Jay Shetty Podcast. She revealed, ‘I think I’ll always be a hopeless romantic and always want to be in love and definitely love sharing my life with someone, and love creating a life with someone.’ However, she also stressed the importance of learning from past experiences and taking her time. She acknowledged, ‘If I can look at everything that I did wrong and try to not make the same mistakes and really take my time, I think it just has to be different for me.’ This candid admission hinted at a more measured and deliberate approach to future relationships, one that prioritized a deeper connection over public spectacle.
2. **The First Spark: Initial Rumors and Conflicting Reports of ‘Hanging Out’**Whispers about a potential romance between Kim Kardashian and Odell Beckham Jr. first began to circulate in September 2023. An insider confirmed to *People* that the businesswoman and the Baltimore Ravens star were ‘hanging out,’ immediately fueling widespread speculation. This news coincided with the confirmation that Beckham had officially split from his ex, Lauren Wood, with whom he shares a son, Zydn, setting the stage for public interest in his new connection.
However, the exact nature of their budding relationship was a topic of varied reports. While *TMZ* initially suggested that Kim wasn’t ‘seriously dating anyone at the moment’ and that OBJ was ‘strictly a friend’ with mutual acquaintances, *Us Weekly* directly countered this narrative just a day later. Their source claimed, ‘Their connection was mutual and grew flirtatious pretty quickly. They’re dating, but things are still fairly casual.’ These conflicting reports only added to the mystery and heightened public curiosity about what was truly happening between the two A-listers, making it clear that their journey together was not going to be a straightforward one in the media.
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3. **Navigating the ‘Homewrecker’ Minefield: Odell’s Past with Lauren Wood and Son Zydn**One of the most significant reasons Kim Kardashian reportedly wanted to keep her romance with Odell Beckham Jr. private stemmed from his past relationship. Beckham had been with his ex, Lauren Wood, from 2019 to 2023, and they share a one-year-old son named Zydn. The exact timeline of their split remained a bit of a mystery, which created a delicate situation given that Kim and Odell reportedly started dating in the summer of 2023, also with an unclear exact timeline.
An insider close to the situation confided to *OK* that Kim and Odell were both eager to ‘avoid any speculation that he left Lauren for Kim — branding Kim a homewrecker.’ This concern was not unfounded, as the media and public had recently seen other high-profile figures, such as Ariana Grande, face similar accusations after her relationship with Ethan Slater came to light. The desire to protect both their reputations and the co-parenting dynamic between Odell and Lauren was a powerful motivator for keeping their burgeoning relationship out of the public eye. Without public comments from Kardashian, Beckham, or Wood, the narrative remained carefully managed, emphasizing the couple’s efforts to avoid unnecessary drama.
4. **The Shadow of Kanye: Why Kim Feared Public Backlash from Her Ex-Husband**Beyond the concerns about a ‘homewrecker’ label, another major factor reportedly driving Kim Kardashian’s desire for privacy in her relationship with Odell Beckham Jr. was the lingering fear of backlash from her ex-husband, Kanye West. Kim had experienced firsthand the intensity of Kanye’s public reactions to her previous relationships, particularly his contentious behavior towards Pete Davidson during their time together. This past experience made her incredibly cautious about introducing a new romance into the public sphere.
An insider underscored this apprehension, stating, ‘The second reason is to avoid the backlash from Kanye. After what Kanye put Pete Davidson through, Kim wants to avoid that at all costs.’ The source acknowledged that ‘it is only a matter of time now before Kanye says something publicly, but he has no solid proof.’ This assessment highlights a very real and ‘fair fear’ given West’s well-documented history of expressing his feelings about Kim’s personal life in a very public and often aggressive manner. Kim’s proactive efforts to keep the relationship under wraps were a clear strategy to mitigate potential conflict and protect her peace, as well as Odell’s.
5. **Quiet Introductions: Featuring in Usher’s Teaser & Odell’s Star-Studded Birthday**Despite their efforts to maintain a low profile, subtle glimpses of Kim Kardashian and Odell Beckham Jr.’s connection began to emerge in the public eye. In September 2023, both stars made appearances in promotional teasers for Usher’s upcoming Super Bowl LVIII halftime performance. They were among a group of celebrities featured in clips that played at the beginning of Usher’s classic ‘Confessions Part II’ music video, a quiet yet significant public alignment for the rumored couple, though not explicitly as a pair.
Further evidence of their deepening bond arrived in November 2023, when Kim quietly attended Odell’s 31st birthday party. The ’90s-themed celebration was a star-studded affair, with guests like Lori Harvey, Michael Rubin, and Ashley Graham. Kim made her appearance with her friend La La Anthony, following the CFDA Fashion Awards, demonstrating a discreet yet present involvement in his personal milestones. She donned a black leather dress with a lace-up corset bodice and chunky silver jewelry, matching the birthday boy, who also sported a black leather jacket. These carefully chosen appearances provided just enough public confirmation to fuel speculation without fully exposing their relationship to intense scrutiny, reflecting their desire for privacy.
6. **Super Bowl LVIII Weekend: The Couple’s First High-Profile Public Appearances**The weekend of Super Bowl LVIII in February 2024 marked a significant turning point for Kim Kardashian and Odell Beckham Jr., as they made their most public appearances together, sparking a flurry of speculation. That Saturday, the two were spotted at a Fanatics Super Bowl party hosted by Michael Rubin at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. They were seen mingling with other members of the Kardashian family and celebrity friends like Justin and Hailey Bieber and Nina Dobrev, indicating a more integrated presence in each other’s social circles.
According to a source for *People*, ‘There wasn’t any PDA, but [Kardashian and Beckham] definitely seemed together.’ The closest they came to public displays of affection was a hug captured in a video published by *TMZ*, showcasing a carefully composed public front. Adding to the buzz, the two were later seen at the Wynn hotel together that same night, further igniting rumors of their romance. These sightings, though still understated by celebrity standards, were a strong indicator that their relationship was progressing beyond mere whispers and into more visible territory, confirming their connection to many onlookers.
7. **The Vanity Fair Oscars After-Party: A Clearer Picture of Their Connection**A month after their high-profile appearances during Super Bowl LVIII weekend, Kim Kardashian and Odell Beckham Jr. continued to fuel romance rumors by attending the exclusive Vanity Fair Oscars after-party on March 10, 2024. This event marked another significant public moment where their connection was palpable, even if it wasn’t overtly dramatic. Kim, a vision in a stark white strapless Balenciaga gown, and Odell, sharp in an all-black leather ensemble, were seen together, leaving little doubt about their status as a couple.
According to a source for *People*, while there wasn’t a ton of PDA compared to other couples at the bash, their behavior spoke volumes. The insider observed, “there was a lot of touching, and they were right near each other the entire time.” This careful balance of closeness without excessive public displays highlighted their shared commitment to discretion, yet their undeniable chemistry was clear to those observing. They were reportedly seen leaving the glamorous event together, reinforcing the growing public perception that their relationship was indeed flourishing. This outing served as a quiet but firm confirmation that their bond was deepening, despite their best efforts to keep it under wraps.
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8. **”Miss U” & Future Plans: Speculation on Odell’s Relocation for Kim**Amidst the increasingly visible outings, Kim Kardashian stirred further speculation with a cryptic social media post, sharing a selfie with the simple yet intriguing caption, “miss u.” Many fans and media outlets immediately inferred that this message could be directed at Odell, hinting at the emotional connection growing between them. This personal peek into her feelings, however subtle, added another layer to the public’s fascination with their reported relationship, suggesting a depth beyond just casual encounters.
Adding fuel to the fire, insiders began to claim that Odell Beckham Jr. was actively considering a significant life change to be closer to Kim. Reports suggested that the NFL star, who was a free agent, was “looking to sign with a team that will get him closer to LA to be closer to Kim.” This indicated that their bond was influencing major career decisions, suggesting a level of commitment and a desire for a shared future. An insider told *DailyMail.com* exclusively that Odell “sees a future with her,” despite their relationship reportedly being “just fun and physical right now,” with “no wedding bells to consider.” This intriguing juxtaposition highlighted the complexity of their connection: an undeniable spark with long-term potential, yet grounded in the present moment of enjoyment and freedom.
9. **The Unforeseen End: Reports Confirm Kim and Odell’s Split**Despite the deepening connection, increasing public sightings, and even speculation about Odell’s potential relocation, the high-profile romance between Kim Kardashian and Odell Beckham Jr. came to an unexpected end. In April 2024, after being romantically linked since September 2023, reports confirmed that the couple had officially called it quits. For some, the news came as a surprise, especially given the recent hints of a serious future and their visible appearances together just a month prior at the Oscars after-party. The seemingly abrupt conclusion to their courtship left many wondering what had transpired behind the carefully guarded scenes.
The initial reports simply stated that the relationship was “over and just fizzled out,” as a source revealed to *People*. This casual explanation hinted at a lack of dramatic conflict, suggesting a gradual cooling rather than a sudden, contentious breakup. The timeline, spanning approximately six months of rumored dating, marked another chapter in Kim’s evolving journey to find love. The quiet conclusion of their romance, much like its discreet beginning, underscored the couple’s preference for managing their personal lives away from intense public scrutiny, even when faced with the inevitable headlines of a split.
10 . **The Reasons Behind the Split: Busy Lives and a “Hands-On Mum” Priority**As the news of Kim and Odell’s split emerged, sources close to the couple began to shed light on the reasons behind their parting ways. The primary factor cited for their separation was the immense demands of their respective careers and personal lives. Both Kim and Odell lead incredibly busy lives, with demanding schedules that often involve extensive travel and professional commitments. This made it increasingly challenging for them to consistently nurture a blossoming relationship, especially one that Kim wished to keep private.
Crucially, a source told *ET* that Kim’s unwavering focus on being a “hands-on mum” played a significant role in her decision. “Kim is so busy and hasn’t been putting any pressure on herself to be committed to anyone or in a serious relationship. She is all about being a hands-on mom,” the source explained. With four children – North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm – her dedication to her family remained her top priority, a commitment that naturally influenced her capacity for a new, serious romance. The demands of motherhood, coupled with her entrepreneurial ventures and reality TV commitments, meant that a partner needed to fit seamlessly into her already packed life, a hurdle that ultimately proved too great for their relationship to overcome.
11. **Beyond OBJ: Kim’s New Chapter and Her Search for a Non-Famous Love**True to her evolving approach to dating, Kim Kardashian didn’t waste much time after her rumored romance with Odell Beckham Jr. concluded, swiftly embarking on a new chapter in her love life. By December 2024, just months after the split, *Us Weekly* reported that Kim was in the early stages of a new romance. However, in line with her expressed desire for privacy, this new connection was being kept “very under wraps,” with the identity of her mystery man remaining undisclosed.
Crucially, this new relationship aligned with a significant shift in Kim’s dating philosophy. Having experienced highly publicized relationships with both Kanye West and Pete Davidson, Kim expressed a clear intention to seek out a partner who isn’t famous. A source told *Us Weekly* that “she’s said the next person she dates will be someone who isn’t famous.” This deliberate choice reflects a desire for a more grounded, private connection, free from the intense glare of the celebrity spotlight. As of 2025, Kim has confirmed she is in a relationship, alluding to her newfound appreciation for affection and openly stating, “I had the intention of staying single….I was fully lying to you guys.” With construction plans for a ‘his’ closet in her home, as revealed in *The Kardashians* trailer, it’s clear Kim is embracing this new, private chapter with enthusiasm, still a hopeless romantic, but with a refined strategy for finding lasting love away from the cameras.
Kim Kardashian’s journey through love continues to be a captivating saga, marked by personal growth and a conscious effort to balance her high-profile life with the deep desire for a genuine, private connection. From the cautious beginnings with Odell Beckham Jr. to her current, intentionally discreet romance, she continues to navigate the complexities of dating in the spotlight, reminding us all that even the biggest stars are ultimately searching for connection, albeit on their own terms.
