Who Is Jonathan Bailey’s Partner? ‘Bridgerton’ Star Says He's Dating a 'Lovely Man'

You may have noticed that Bailey casually referred to a “boyfriend” during his GQ interview in 2022. It’s likely that he didn’t use the term literally, but it’s worth noting that the Bridgerton star attended The Olivier Awards with James Ellis back in 2019. And in 2021, the two were spotted having dinner in Notting Hill, which sparked even more dating rumors.

In one notable moment, Bailey actually kissed Ellis before he walked onto the stage to accept his Olivier Award in 2019. Then, during his acceptance speech, the actor discussed the importance of his show, Company, in the history of queer storytelling. “You know, at a time where acknowledging the very existence of LGBTQ people in our schools is being questioned, we have been able to, as a company, show a lovely and celebratory snapshot of gay love,” Bailey said. “That LGBTQ people really aren't that different. We're not that different. We are just as anxious, and we're just as flawed and desperate to fall in love as everyone else. Thank you to the cast, this is for you!”

Despite kissing Ellis (and talking about love) at the Olivier Awards, neither Bailey nor his rumored partner confirmed that they were officially dating, so it’s likely that the two are just good friends.

Once again, Bailey hasn’t publicly discussed his dating history, but he and British actress Bennett-Warner have been spotted at several outings together, with their most recent pics being taken in November 2018. Not surprisingly, fans were quick to label the two as a couple. But since neither confirmed that they were in a romantic relationship, we’ll take those rumors with a grain of salt.

The actor detailed a disturbing story about an encounter with a homophobic man at a coffee shop after he attended an LGBTQ+ event.

Per The Standard, Bailey recalled, "He got my cap, and he pulled it off my head and he threw it across the room and he said, ‘Get out of this f***ing coffee shop, you queer."

After putting his cap back on, the guy added, “If you don't take that cap off, I'm gonna f***ing shoot you.” Fortunately, a woman named Angela walked up and started to record the encounter. Bailey said, “Angela, she came up, and she got her phone out and she said, ‘I'm recording this message, I think you are welcome in this country. And what you're saying, I think, is appalling.’ That happened sort of five minutes in, and he left.”

The Bridgerton star continued, "My life was threatened. My body believed it; my brain didn't, and it took me a while to really catch up with it. But I've got friends and security. There are so many people that don't. They are surrounded by that every day, and the torment of what that must be like, the amount of fear that was generated... If that's what children are surrounded by, they're not going to be able to grow in any way. And of course, that's not just an American story. It's international. And it's terrifying, that [here in the U.K.] we're not looking after queer people, in terms of allowing them into the country. Because that is the reality; people’s lives are literally at risk.”