Tyra Banks has spent decades in the global spotlight as a model, television personality, actress and entrepreneur, but she has generally kept her romantic life away from intense public scrutiny.
Over the years, Banks has been linked to several high-profile figures from entertainment, sport and business.
Some relationships were brief, while others lasted for several years and played important roles in different stages of her life.
Today, the model is in a long-term relationship with Canadian businessman Louis Bélanger-Martin, with the pair having been linked since 2019.
Will Smith was among her earliest famous connections
Banks was romantically linked to actor and musician Will Smith in the early 1990s after the two met while working on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Banks appeared in seven episodes of the sitcom as Jackie Ames, a childhood friend and occasional love interest of Smith’s character.
Their reported relationship lasted from around 1993 to 1994.
Neither has publicly discussed the romance in extensive detail, and the relationship eventually ended quietly.
John Singleton relationship crossed into her acting career
Banks began dating acclaimed filmmaker John Singleton in 1993 after reportedly meeting him through mutual friends.
Their relationship coincided with an important moment in Banks’ transition from modelling into acting. Singleton cast her as Deja, a track athlete, in his 1995 film Higher Learning.
The casting prompted speculation that their relationship had influenced the decision.
Banks rejected that suggestion, saying she had auditioned for the role and was prepared to accept the outcome of the audition on merit.
The couple remained together until 1996. Banks continued to speak respectfully about Singleton, who died in 2019.
A brief romance with Seal
British singer Seal was another prominent figure linked to Banks during the 1990s.
The pair were photographed together at major events in 1996, including the Essence Awards and World Music Awards in Monaco.
Their relationship was relatively short-lived and ended later that year.
Years afterwards, Seal dismissed suggestions that their breakup had inspired his Human Being album, describing the relationship as having ended without major drama.
Chris Webber romance lasted several years
Banks began dating former NBA star Chris Webber around 2001, marking one of the longer relationships in her early adult life.
She was frequently seen supporting Webber during his basketball career, particularly while he played for the Sacramento Kings.
Their relationship also generated engagement speculation, although neither publicly confirmed that they planned to marry.
The couple separated in 2004 after roughly three years together.
Banks later discussed the challenges of dating professional athletes, including the attention created by fans, the media and other people pursuing high-profile sports stars.
Webber subsequently described their relationship as an important learning experience and said he had no regrets about their time together.
John Utendahl became a serious partner
In 2007, Banks began a relationship with businessman John Utendahl, founder of the Utendahl Group.
The couple kept much of their romance private, although their relationship became serious enough that Banks reportedly moved production of her daytime talk show from Los Angeles to New York to be closer to him.
Marriage speculation followed them throughout the relationship, but they never married.
After approximately four years together, Banks and Utendahl separated in 2011.
Following the breakup, Banks took time away from the spotlight and travelled to Bali, where she reportedly participated in a spiritual retreat.
Erik Asla became the father of her son
Banks entered another significant relationship in 2013, this time with Norwegian fashion photographer Erik Asla.
The two met while working on Norway’s Next Top Model, where Asla was a photographer.
Their professional relationship developed into a romance, and they also collaborated on modelling projects.
Their relationship became particularly significant when they started a family.
Motherhood followed a difficult fertility journey
Banks has previously spoken about experiencing fertility struggles and unsuccessful IVF treatments.
In January 2016, she and Asla welcomed their son, York Banks Asla, through a gestational surrogate.
Banks publicly expressed her gratitude to the woman who carried their child, describing York’s arrival as a deeply hoped-for moment for the couple.
Banks and Asla ended their relationship in 2017. Reports described the separation as amicable, and the pair remained focused on co-parenting York.
They also continued to maintain professional connections after their breakup.
Louis Bélanger-Martin is her current partner
Banks has been linked to Canadian businessman Louis Bélanger-Martin since 2019, making their relationship her longest publicly known romance in recent years.
The couple have largely kept their personal lives private, although they have occasionally appeared together at public events.
Bélanger-Martin has also been involved in Banks’ business interests and serves as chief financial officer of her SMiZE & Dream ice cream brand.
Their relationship has remained largely out of the spotlight
Despite their high-profile status, Banks and Bélanger-Martin have avoided turning their relationship into a constant media spectacle.
In 2023, Banks revealed that her partner had wanted to organise a major celebration for her 50th birthday, while she preferred a family trip to Disneyland.
The following year, she spoke positively about the support Bélanger-Martin provides when she experiences self-doubt while running her businesses, crediting him with helping her work through those moments.
No confirmed marriage or engagement
Although there have been occasional rumours about an engagement, Banks has not publicly confirmed that she and Bélanger-Martin are engaged or married.
The couple have continued their relationship while balancing family life and business interests.
Banks has also relocated to Sydney, Australia, with her partner and son as she expands her SMiZE & Dream venture.
A relationship history spanning three decades
From reported early romances with Will Smith and John Singleton to longer relationships with Chris Webber, John Utendahl and Erik Asla, Banks’ dating history has included some of the most recognisable names in entertainment, sport and business.
Her relationship with Asla brought her into motherhood, while her partnership with Bélanger-Martin represents her current chapter.
Despite the public fascination surrounding her personal life, Banks has consistently maintained a degree of privacy, choosing to focus much of her public identity on her career, family and entrepreneurial ambitions.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Tyra Banks?
Tyra Banks is an American model, television host, actress, producer and entrepreneur best known for her modelling career and for creating and hosting America’s Next Top Model.
Is Tyra Banks currently in a relationship?
Yes. Banks is in a long-term relationship with Canadian businessman Louis Bélanger-Martin, whom she has been linked to since 2019.
Who has Tyra Banks dated?
Banks has been linked to Will Smith, John Singleton, Seal, Chris Webber, John Utendahl, Erik Asla and Louis Bélanger-Martin.
Did Tyra Banks and Will Smith date?
Banks and Smith were romantically linked in the early 1990s after appearing together on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Was Tyra Banks ever married?
No. Banks has never been married.
Who is Tyra Banks’ son?
Her son is York Banks Asla, whom she welcomed with photographer Erik Asla through a gestational surrogate in January 2016.
