CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins faces renewed public interest after Grammys outing with Emilio Madrid and his controversial past with underage model Sophia Anne Caruso

CNN’s firebrand White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins found herself back in the headlines last week—though this time for very different reasons.

First, the 33-year-old star was spotted at the Grammys alongside 30-year-old photographer Emilio Madrid, sparking whispers of a new romance.

While a source close to Collins insists the two are “just friends” despite their seemingly affectionate photos, social media couldn’t help but speculate.

Collins even shared a couple of snaps of just the pair on her Instagram, fanning the flames of curiosity.

Emilio Madrid’s Controversial Past

Beyond the glitz of the Grammys, Madrid’s history has raised some eyebrows.

The photographer, who grew up in Santa Barbara, California, and later studied political science at NYU, previously dated actress Sophia Anne Caruso.

Their relationship became public in October 2019, shortly after Caruso turned 18, when Madrid was 24.

However, their connection goes further back: Madrid had photographed Caruso in professional shoots while she was still 17, including a campaign for Celine in May of that year.

The pair met in the theater world, with Madrid working as a staff photographer at Broadway.com and Caruso establishing herself as a young actress.

Their relationship quickly became visible online, with Madrid posting photos from fashion shows and Caruso later referring to him as her boyfriend in a Vogue India interview.

Their last known public photo together was in November 2021, and they haven’t been spotted together since.

Madrid’s Rise in the Photography World

Emilio Madrid has built an impressive career in entertainment photography.

After launching his own photo house in 2011, he interned and worked at high-profile platforms including The Daily Show with Trevor Noah and Saturday Night Live, eventually joining Broadway.com.

His portfolio features some of Hollywood’s biggest names, from George Clooney to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Emily Blunt.

Despite his entertainment credentials, Madrid describes himself as a “political and portrait junkie.”

He has documented political rallies, including photographing Mark Ruffalo at a Trump resistance event, and his social media reflects support for figures like Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris, alongside jabs at Donald Trump.

Collins’ Fierce Moments with the President

Collins isn’t a stranger to controversy herself.

Her tense exchanges with President Donald Trump have made headlines before.

In December, Trump called her “stupid and nasty” over a question about the White House Ballroom.

More recently, during a probing interview about his administration’s handling of Epstein files, Trump criticized her for “not smiling enough” and called her “the worst reporter.”

Collins pressed him on the protection of underage victims, showing once again why she’s known for fearless political reporting.

Collins’ Personal Life Remains Private

While Collins’ professional life is under constant scrutiny, she keeps her private life tightly under wraps.

Before the Grammys appearance with Madrid, she was in a long-term relationship with Texas pharmacist Will Douglas, starting in 2015.

The couple eventually parted ways, and Collins has since remained largely private about her romantic life.

What’s Next?

Fans and the media will likely continue watching Collins and Madrid closely, even as sources maintain the pair are just friends.

Meanwhile, Collins’ career shows no signs of slowing down; her confrontational interviews and high-profile reporting ensure she remains a central figure in political journalism.

For Madrid, his past relationships and high-profile career keep him in the public eye, and any further sightings with Collins will inevitably draw attention.

Summary

Kaitlan Collins sparked romance rumors after attending the Grammys with photographer Emilio Madrid, though sources insist they are only friends.

Madrid’s past relationship with actress Sophia Anne Caruso has drawn attention due to their age difference when they first became involved and his professional photography work while she was underage.

Collins’ history of tough interactions with Donald Trump highlights her fearless journalism style, while her personal life remains private.

Both Collins and Madrid continue to occupy the spotlight, whether in politics, entertainment, or social circles.