Christine Baranski Shuts Down Rumors of Romance With King Princess: “We’re Just Friends”

Christine Baranski is setting the record straight after rumors swirled about her relationship with singer King Princess.

In a statement to Page Six on Friday, August 22, Baranski’s representative made it clear that there is no romance between the pair. “Christine and King Princess are strictly friends and nothing more,” the rep said. “They have never been in a relationship, nor are they now.”

The clarification comes after speculation heated up when Baranski, 73, and King Princess, 26, walked the red carpet together on August 18 for the Broadway return of Mamma Mia! — a musical in which Baranski famously played Tanya in the hit 2008 film adaptation.

Red Carpet Moment Sparks Speculation

Baranski turned heads in a sequined silver suit and oversized sunglasses, while King Princess — whose real name is Mikaela Mullaney Straus — opted for a bold newspaper-print shirt, black trousers, studded belt and layers of silver jewelry.

The two were even photographed holding hands at the event, fueling chatter about their relationship. Days later, King Princess added to the buzz by posting photos from the night on social media, captioning them with the phrase: “#LoveIsLove.”

How They Met

The unlikely duo first met on the set of Nine Perfect Strangers season 2 last year. Baranski played Victoria, an elderly woman battling ALS, while King Princess made her acting debut as Tina, a pianist in a relationship with Wolfie (portrayed by Maisie Richardson-Sellers).

Their on-screen collaboration soon turned into a close real-life friendship. In an interview with Interview Magazine this past May, Baranski recalled how quickly they bonded: “We sat at the bar, ordered martinis, and suddenly we’re talking about our grandmothers who deeply influenced our lives. I think that’s where we profoundly connected.”

Baranski praised King Princess as a “wildly talented young woman who’s opinionated, deeply funny and witty,” calling their friendship “the greatest gift.”

Personal Lives

Baranski was previously married to actor Matthew Cowles from 1983 until his death in 2014 at age 69 due to congestive heart failure. The couple shared two daughters, Lily and Isabel. Reflecting on that time, Baranski told Parade in 2018: “A few months after Matthew passed away, I had to be back in front of a camera — but it helped to be with my community. They all knew and loved me, so going back to work was good.”

King Princess, meanwhile, has previously been romantically linked to actress Amandla Stenberg and creative director Quinn Wilson.

“A Gift of Friendship”

Despite the speculation, Baranski insists the bond she shares with King Princess is one of friendship, not romance. “We’ve curiously bonded and wanted to remain friends. That’s a great gift,” she said.

For Baranski, it seems the red carpet headlines don’t tell the full story. What’s clear is that the veteran actress and the rising music star have found a meaningful connection — one built on laughter, shared stories, and mutual admiration.