Elle Fanning, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in “The Great” and “Maleficent,” has captured hearts both on and off screen with her enchanting performances and romantic relationships. Currently, the 26-year-old star is in a blissful relationship with Gus Wenner, the CEO of Rolling Stone magazine, marking a new chapter in her love life after her previous long-term relationship with actor Max Minghella ended in 2023.
The couple’s romance began in late 2023 and has since blossomed into one of Hollywood’s most charming love stories. From their first public appearance holding hands in New York City to their glamorous red carpet debuts at prestigious events like the Golden Globes and Met Gala, Fanning and Wenner have consistently demonstrated their deep affection for each other. Their relationship timeline showcases a modern fairy tale romance, complete with romantic getaways, birthday celebrations, and social media declarations of love.
What makes their relationship particularly fascinating is the blend of Hollywood glamour and media industry power. Wenner, as the son of Rolling Stone founder Jann Wenner and current CEO of the iconic magazine, brings his own impressive credentials to their partnership. Meanwhile, Fanning continues to establish herself as one of the most talented actresses of her generation, with recent projects including “A Complete Unknown” alongside Timothée Chalamet.
Their journey together represents more than just another celebrity romance – it’s a testament to finding love after heartbreak and building something beautiful together. As Fanning once said, “I’m a hopeless romantic. I believe in love at first sight,” and her relationship with Wenner seems to embody exactly that sentiment.
Current Relationship: Elle Fanning and Gus Wenner
Elle Fanning is currently dating Gus Wenner, the 34-year-old CEO of Rolling Stone magazine. Their relationship began in late 2023, approximately seven months after Fanning ended her five-year relationship with actor Max Minghella. The couple first sparked romance rumors when they were photographed holding hands during a dinner date in New York City on November 6, 2023.
Who is Gus Wenner?
Gus Wenner comes from a prestigious media family as the son of Jann Wenner, the founder of Rolling Stone magazine and co-founder of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. After graduating from Brown University in 2012, Wenner joined his father’s company, Wenner Media, where he initially took charge of rollingstone.com. His career progression was impressive – becoming head of digital for multiple publications in 2013, then president and chief operating officer when Rolling Stone was sold to Penske Media Corporation in 2017, and finally being promoted to CEO in 2021.
Complete Relationship Timeline: Elle Fanning and Gus Wenner
November 2023: First Public Appearance
The couple was first spotted together on November 6, 2023, holding hands after dinner at The Waverly Inn in New York City’s West Village. They were joined by singer Lorde, actress Annabelle Dexter-Jones, and Wenner’s brother, visual artist Theo Wenner.
January 2024: Red Carpet Debut
Fanning and Wenner made their relationship official at the 2024 Golden Globe Awards on January 7, where they walked the red carpet together. Fanning looked ethereal in a vintage ivory Pierre Balmain dress, while Wenner wore a classic black tuxedo. Three days later, Wenner shared Instagram photos from the event, captioning them “Sunday night at the Golden Globes 💜”.
February 2024: Valentine’s Day Declaration
On Valentine’s Day 2024, Fanning made their relationship Instagram official by posting a photo of Wenner lounging on a boat, captioning it “My funny Valentine🏹💕🙈”.
Spring 2024: Public Outings
The couple enjoyed several public dates throughout spring 2024, including attending a screening of Dakota Fanning’s series “Ripley” in March, watching a New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden in April, and celebrating Fanning’s 27th birthday together.
May 2024: Met Gala Debut
Their most glamorous public appearance came at the 2024 Met Gala, where Fanning wore an intricately sculpted Balmain gown that appeared to be made of glass, while Wenner complemented her in a classic black tuxedo.
August 2024: Birthday Celebrations
Fanning celebrated Wenner’s 34th birthday on August 10 with a sweet Instagram tribute featuring beach photos of the couple, writing “Happy Birthday angel❤️🔥🌊”.
Recent Developments (2024-2025)
The couple continued to make public appearances throughout late 2024, including attending Rolling Stone events together and celebrating after the premiere of Fanning’s film “A Complete Unknown”. They rang in 2025 with a romantic ski trip, with Fanning sharing photos of them kissing and skiing together, captioned “⛷️ing into 2025”.
Elle Fanning’s Previous Relationship with Max Minghella
Before her romance with Wenner, Fanning was in a five-year relationship with English actor Max Minghella from 2018 to 2023. The couple met on the set of the 2018 film “Teen Spirit,” which Minghella wrote and directed while Fanning starred in it. Their relationship was notably private, with their first public appearance together occurring at the 2019 Met Gala.
Fanning confirmed their split in an April 2023 interview with Harper’s Bazaar UK, stating she was single but remained optimistic about love. Despite the breakup, she maintained her romantic outlook, saying, “I’m a hopeless romantic. I believe in love at first sight. Call me crazy, but I believe in those things. I feel that it’s my destiny”.
What Makes Their Relationship Special
Fanning and Wenner’s relationship stands out for several reasons. Their shared appreciation for arts and culture creates a strong foundation, with Wenner’s background in music journalism complementing Fanning’s acting career. The couple maintains a balance between public appearances at high-profile events and private, intimate moments shared on social media.
Their relationship also demonstrates maturity and genuine affection. Both have established successful careers in their respective fields, allowing them to support each other’s professional endeavors while building their personal connection. Fanning’s recent social media posts show a woman genuinely happy and in love, frequently referring to Wenner as “baby” and “angel” in her captions.
The couple seamlessly blends their professional and personal lives, as evidenced by their public appearances at various events, including Rolling Stone gatherings and glamorous Hollywood premieres. Their consistent presence together highlights their strong connection and mutual support, demonstrating a commitment to building a partnership that transcends mere romance to encompass shared ambitions and aspirations in both their careers and personal lives.
