In an unexpected turn of events, Gladiator star Paul Mescal and his girlfriend, American pop star Grace Abrams, were seen having a very public emotional moment at a popular restaurant in North London.
The couple, who have kept their relationship relatively private, were dining at the trendy bakery-restaurant Jolene in Newington Green.
A Public Breakdown
According to a witness, the scene was heart-wrenching.
Mescal, 28, appeared visibly upset, with his head in his hands.
Abrams, 25, sat across from him, crying uncontrollably.
“She was crying so much that Paul started to cry too,” the onlooker shared with MailOnline.
The situation escalated quickly, and soon after, Abrams stormed out of the restaurant mid-meal.
Mescal, left in the aftermath, stayed behind to pay the bill before leaving shortly after her.
The public breakup left diners stunned, with many commenting on how the entire ordeal played out in front of them.
Their Relationship: From Christmas to Heartbreak
This incident comes shortly after a more joyful occasion during the holidays.
Abrams, who is the daughter of famed Hollywood director JJ Abrams, visited Mescal’s family in Cork, Ireland, over Christmas.
The couple was spotted posing for photos with fans at a local SuperValu, sharing a rare public moment of affection.
Abrams has been on a meteoric rise in the music world, with her tracks “That’s So True” and “I Miss You, I’m Sorry” gaining impressive streaming numbers, and the couple’s relationship had seemed to be growing stronger.
Moving on From the Past
Mescal’s breakup with Abrams marks another chapter in his romantic life, following his high-profile split from singer Phoebe Bridgers in December 2022.
The actor, who gained widespread recognition for his role as Connell Waldron in Normal People, was reportedly devastated by the end of his two-year relationship with Bridgers.
Those who saw him in North London during that time noted that he would often break down in tears when asked about the split.
But despite the heartbreak, he eventually found happiness again with Abrams.
A Quiet Relationship
Mescal and Abrams had kept their relationship largely out of the public eye, rarely being spotted together.
However, in July, MailOnline first captured the couple walking hand-in-hand through the streets of London, sparking rumors that they were more than just friends.
“They were kissing a lot,” one onlooker recalled. By August, People Magazine confirmed the two were “hooking up,” though it was still in the early stages.
Their first major public appearance as a couple came in November when they attended the Gladiator II premiere after-party together.
Challenges and Career Milestones
While the couple has been relatively private, their relationship has unfolded against the backdrop of Mescal’s growing career.
His highly anticipated role in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator sequel has garnered significant attention, though, sadly, he has not yet received any awards recognition, having missed out on nominations at both the Golden Globes and the BAFTAs.
In the midst of his career and personal drama, Mescal’s relationship with Abrams continues to evolve, and it remains to be seen how this public breakup will impact their future together.
