On June 10, 2025, model Gigi Paris shared candid insights into her 2023 breakup with actor Glen Powell during an episode of Emma Klipstein’s “Too Much” podcast. The split, confirmed in April 2023, unfolded amid widespread speculation about Powell’s on-screen chemistry with Sydney Sweeney while promoting their romantic comedy “Anyone But You.” Paris revealed a pivotal phone call from Powell, just before a planned trip to Australia, that shattered their three-year relationship. The public nature of the breakup, fueled by rumors of a romance between Powell and Sweeney, added layers of complexity. Speaking for the first time in over two years, Paris addressed the emotional toll, her decision to walk away, and her perspective on the media frenzy surrounding the events. The discussion, rich with personal reflections, shed light on the challenges of navigating love under public scrutiny.
The relationship between Paris and Powell, which began in 2020, had been a public affair, marked by appearances at high-profile events like the 2023 Golden Globes. However, Paris noted that cracks appeared six months before the official end. Powell’s demanding filming schedule, particularly in Australia for “Anyone But You,” strained their dynamic. The model described the weight of long-distance challenges, compounded by online chatter about Powell’s interactions with Sweeney.
- Key moments from Paris’s podcast revelations:
- A phone call from Powell discouraging her visit to Australia.
- Powell’s silence on rumors of infidelity with Sweeney.
- The public humiliation Paris felt during the media storm.
Paris’s choice to end the relationship came after months of tension, culminating in a trip to Australia to confront Powell face-to-face.
Pivotal phone call
The turning point, Paris explained, was a phone call from Powell just before she was set to join him in Australia. After discussions with the film’s producers, Powell suggested she stay away from the set. The model saw this as a breach of trust and respect, especially given the swirling rumors. “I hung up and knew it was over,” she recalled. Despite the call, Paris traveled to Australia to formally end the relationship, a decision she described as heart-wrenching.
While in Australia, Paris faced unexpected restrictions. She was barred from visiting the “Anyone But You” set or engaging with the production, which left her feeling isolated. “It was bizarre, like I was an outsider,” she shared. These previously unreported details underscored the emotional strain of the breakup.
Rumors surrounding “Anyone But You”
The promotional campaign for “Anyone But You” thrust Powell and Sweeney into the spotlight, with their chemistry sparking romance rumors. Fans and media, particularly after their joint appearance at CinemaCon in Las Vegas in April 2023, speculated about an off-screen relationship. Paris expressed frustration at Powell’s failure to publicly dismiss the rumors. “All he had to say was, ‘I’d never cheat on my girlfriend.’ But he didn’t,” she said.
Paris also suggested the chemistry might have been a publicity stunt. “Later, it seemed like it was all a PR move, at the expense of our relationship,” she noted. Despite her hurt, she expressed a resigned hope that Powell and Sweeney might have been genuinely involved. “I hoped they were in love, so it would’ve been worth it,” she said sardonically.
Public life and media pressure
Paris and Powell’s relationship had been highly visible, with moments like the “Devotion” premiere in Toronto in 2022 and the Golden Globes in 2023 cementing their status as a power couple. The public breakup, therefore, shocked fans. Paris spoke about the difficulty of navigating media scrutiny, particularly as rumors about Sweeney intensified.
- Notable moments in their relationship:
- A romantic Mexico vacation in 2020, where they were first linked.
- Making their relationship Instagram-official in 2021.
- Joint appearances at major events from 2021 to 2023.
The model described feeling “fed to the wolves” by the press, with no public defense from Powell. “I just wanted respect, especially since it was so public,” she said.
Powell and Sweeney’s responses
In a December 2023 interview with Insider, Powell acknowledged the personal challenges during the “Anyone But You” promotional tour. He admitted that his breakup with Paris, coupled with the need to play up his chemistry with Sweeney, was tough. “I was going through a real breakup during that tour,” he said, noting that Sweeney, then engaged to Jonathan Davino, found it easier to lean into the publicity.
Sweeney, in a Variety interview, defended their promotional strategy, emphasizing the appeal of their on-screen dynamic. “It’s a rom-com. That’s what people want,” she said, adding that she and Powell shared mutual respect. Representatives for both actors did not respond to Paris’s recent comments.
Distance and breakup dynamics
While sources close to the couple cited long-distance issues as a factor in the split, Paris refuted this narrative. She insisted the breakup stemmed from deeper issues, particularly Powell’s handling of the rumors and their relationship. “It wasn’t about distance. It was how everything was managed,” she said. Paris also noted the discomfort of staying in Australia for two weeks post-breakup to fulfill work commitments.
The relationship, which began with a spark in Mexico in 2020, had faced challenges before. Sources told People in 2023 that the success of “Top Gun: Maverick” increased Powell’s Hollywood demands, creating friction. The Australian shoot for “Anyone But You” proved to be the final straw.
Social media’s role
Social media amplified the rumors, with Paris’s decision to unfollow Sweeney on Instagram sparking speculation. A source clarified to People that Sweeney had never followed Paris, and the move was unrelated to any feud. “Gigi knew nothing happened between Glen and Sydney,” the source said.
In the podcast, Paris expressed relief at stepping away from the media “circus.” “I don’t live for headlines. They can do what they want—it’s not my business anymore,” she said, signaling her intent to move forward.
Moving forward
Paris used the podcast to reflect on her growth, emphasizing the importance of setting personal boundaries. “I know my standards, and that wasn’t okay,” she said. She also chose not to seek definitive answers about potential infidelity. “I’ve heard different stories, but I don’t know what happened. I just know I wasn’t treated right,” she explained.
Her candid remarks resonated with fans, reigniting discussions about privacy and the pressures of fame on personal relationships. The podcast marked a significant moment for Paris to share her side of the story, offering closure to a chapter that had long captivated public attention.
