Tyra Banks, the iconic supermodel and entrepreneur, has had a dating history that includes several high-profile men, from actor Will Smith to basketball star Chris Webber. Currently, she is in a long-term relationship with Canadian businessman Louis Bélanger-Martin, whom she has been dating since 2019. Banks, who has never been married, welcomed her son York in 2016 with photographer Erik Asla via a gestational surrogate.
A Look at Tyra Banks' Romantic Timeline
Banks has kept much of her personal life private despite decades in the spotlight. Her relationships have ranged from brief flings to long-term partnerships, each marking a different phase of her life and career. Here's a detailed look at the men she has been linked to over the years.
Will Smith (1993 – 1994)
Tyra Banks and Will Smith reportedly dated from 1993 to 1994 after meeting on the set of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Banks appeared in seven episodes of the sitcom as Jackie Ames, Will's childhood friend and occasional love interest, marking her television acting debut. Their relationship remained private, and neither has publicly shared many details about their time together. The couple reportedly dated for about a year before quietly breaking up.
John Singleton (1993 – 1996)
Banks met the late Oscar-nominated director John Singleton through mutual friends in 1993, when Singleton was already gaining attention as the director of Boyz n the Hood. Singleton saw Banks on the runway and was impressed by her, and their friendship later grew into a romantic relationship. Their relationship also became part of Banks' early acting career when Singleton cast her as Deja, a track athlete, in his 1995 film Higher Learning.
Because they were dating at the time, some people questioned whether Banks had received the role because of their relationship. However, Banks said Singleton made her audition for the part. According to Encyclopedia.com, Banks recalled Singleton telling her: "Read for it, but if you're bad, you don't get it. I'd look like I'm thinkin' with my you-know-what."
Speaking to Women's Wear Daily (WWD) in January 1995, Banks shut down the rumours about sleeping her way to the top: "When I read for the part, I had been dating John for four months... I told him, 'People are going to say I got it because I'm your girl.' No one has said anything to my face, but I'm sure it's going on behind my back." Though their relationship ended in 1996, Banks has frequently spoken of him with deep respect and paid tribute to him following his passing in 2019.
Brief Encounters and Serious Relationships
Seal (1996)
Tyra Banks and British singer Seal had a brief relationship in 1996. The two were seen together publicly that year, including at the Essence Awards in April and the World Music Awards in Monaco in May. Their relationship did not last long, and the couple reportedly split later that year. Years afterwards, Seal addressed speculation that his 1998 album Human Being was inspired by his breakup with Banks. As documented by Bravo, in an interview with Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live, Seal denied saying: "It came drama-free... There was never any drama between us." After the split, Seal later married Banks' friend and fellow model Heidi Klum in 2005.
Chris Webber (2001 – 2004)
Banks and former basketball player Chris Webber were in a relationship from around 2001 to 2004. Banks was often seen supporting Webber during his time with the Sacramento Kings. During their relationship, they faced engagement rumours, though neither party ever confirmed them. Their relationship ended in 2004 after about three years.
The breakup heavily affected Banks, who later dedicated an episode of The Tyra Banks Show to the pressures of dating professional athletes, saying: "It's a lot of pressure because you have the fans, you have the media, and then you have other women who just don't care that he's in a committed relationship." After retiring from the NBA, Webber spoke to The New York Times about his past relationship with Banks and life in the Hollywood spotlight. He said: "I think it was just a great learning experience. You live and you learn, and you grow up. I don't have any regrets about it. It was what it was, and we've both moved on to different chapters."
John Utendahl (2007 – 2011)
Banks first met Utendahl, a businessman who founded the Utendahl Group, in 2007. Though they hid their romance from the media initially, it quickly grew serious. Banks was reportedly so in love that she moved her daytime talk show's entire production from Los Angeles to New York City to be closer to Utendahl. Banks and Utendahl kept most of their relationship away from the media.
Her friend and America's Next Top Model co-star Jay Manuel once said Banks seemed comfortable and happy in the relationship. He told Now to Love NZ: "I've seen Tyra in her current relationship and I think she's very much herself. When you see that real moment, she's comfortable – and being comfortable is the most important thing." Marriage was often a topic of interest while they were together, but Banks and Utendahl never married. Their relationship ended in 2011 after about four years. After the breakup, Banks travelled to Bali with a friend and took part in a spiritual retreat. A source at the time told Christian Post: "Tyra has gone away with a female friend and has been island-hopping, visiting Bali and taking a spiritual retreat."
Father of Her Son and Current Partner
Erik Asla (2013 – 2017)
Tyra Banks and Norwegian photographer Erik Asla met while working on Norway's Next Top Model, where Asla was a fashion photographer. They started dating in 2013 and also worked together, with Asla photographing Banks and contributing to America's Next Top Model. One of the most important parts of their relationship was their journey to becoming parents. Banks later spoke openly about her struggles with infertility and unsuccessful IVF treatments.
In January 2016, the couple welcomed their son, York Banks Asla, through a gestational surrogate. Announcing his birth on Instagram, Banks thanked the surrogate and wrote, "The best present we worked and prayed so hard for is finally here. He's got my fingers and big eyes and his daddy Erik's mouth and chin. As we thank the angel of a woman that carried our miracle baby boy for us, we pray for everyone who struggles to reach this joyous milestone."
In October 2017, the couple ended their four-year relationship, with reports from outlets such as Entertainment Tonight confirming the split was mutual and amicable. Despite Asla moving out of their shared home, the pair remained committed to co-parenting their son, York, and continued to work together professionally after the breakup.
Louis Bélanger-Martin (2019 – present)
Banks is currently dating Canadian businessman and entrepreneur Louis Bélanger-Martin. The couple have been romantically linked since October 2019, when they were spotted having dinner at hot-spot restaurant Hutong, per Page Six. Banks and Louis have since kept most details of their relationship private, but have occasionally appeared in public, including at the TIME 100 Gala in 2022. Louis Bélanger-Martin serves as the chief financial officer (CFO) for her flagship ice cream brand, SMiZE & Dream. He also has a son with his ex-wife Valérie Martin Scraire.
In a September 2023 interview with People, Banks shared that Bélanger-Martin wanted to organise a big celebration for her 50th birthday. However, she preferred a simple family trip to Disneyland instead. "My man, he wanted to throw this huge 50 year old birthday for me, and I kind of found out about it. I let him know I have no desire to do that. I just want to go to Disneyland with the family."
In an October 2024 interview on Today, the model said her boyfriend helps her manage her insecurities as a business owner. She said: "That's where my stuff happens – of self-doubt, am I good enough, am I just a model? My man is amazing at helping me through those moments." Although there have been engagement rumours, Banks has not confirmed that they are engaged or married. She currently lives in Sydney, Australia, where she relocated with her partner and son to expand her ice cream business, SMiZE & Dream.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tyra Banks' Love Life
Who is Tyra Banks? Tyra Banks is an American model, television host, actress, producer and businesswoman best known for America's Next Top Model.
What is Tyra Banks' age? Tyra Banks was born on 4 December 1973, making her 52 years old as of August 2026.
Is Tyra Banks in a relationship now? The model is in a long-term relationship with Canadian businessman Louis Bélanger-Martin.
Who has Tyra Banks dated? Banks has been linked to several well-known men, including John Singleton, Seal, Chris Webber, John Utendahl, Erik Asla and Louis Bélanger-Martin.
Did Will Smith and Tyra Banks date? She and Will Smith were romantically linked after they played a couple on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
How many times has Tyra been married? Tyra Banks has never been married.
Who is Tyra Banks' son? Tyra Banks' son is York Banks Asla, whom she welcomed with photographer Erik Asla through a gestational surrogate in January 2016.
Tyra Banks' dating history includes several well-known names, but she has kept most of her relationships private. From Chris Webber and John Utendahl to Erik Asla, the father of her son York, each relationship has been part of a different stage of her life. The model is currently dating Louis Bélanger-Martin, and the couple has been together since 2019, with Banks focusing on her family and expanding her business ventures in Australia.
