Paulie Calafiore, the competitive reality TV star known for his appearances on Big Brother and The Challenge, has audiences not just with his athletic prowess but also with his complex and highly publicized relationship with fellow Challenge competitor Cara Maria Sorbello. Their love story, which began in 2018, has been anything but conventional, featuring open relationship arrangements, temporary breakups, public reconciliations, and a recent period of healing that has fans wondering about their current status.
The 35-year-old New Jersey native has become one of reality television’s most talked-about personalities, partly due to his fierce competitive nature and partly because of his unconventional approach to love and relationships. His journey with Sorbello has been marked by transparency about their struggles, growth, and commitment to making their unique dynamic work despite public scrutiny and personal challenges.
As of 2025, Calafiore and Sorbello appear to be in a rebuilding phase of their relationship, taking things slow and focusing on personal growth while maintaining their deep connection. Their story offers insight into modern relationships, the challenges of dating in the public eye, and how two people can continuously choose each other despite unconventional circumstances. Understanding their current dating status requires examining the evolution of their relationship, their recent challenges, and what the future might hold for this reality TV power couple.
The Beginning: Meeting on The Challenge
Paulie Calafiore and Cara Maria Sorbello (Image via Getty)
Paulie Calafiore and Cara Maria Sorbello first crossed paths in 2018 while filming The Challenge: Final Reckoning. Their initial connection sparked during the intense competition environment, where both contestants were known for their competitive spirits and strategic gameplay. The attraction was immediate, and their relationship quickly developed beyond the confines of the reality show.
Before meeting Sorbello, Calafiore had been involved in other high-profile relationships within the reality TV sphere. He previously dated Zakiyah Everette from Big Brother in 2016-2017, and had a brief relationship with Bachelor Nation’s Danielle Maltby in early 2018. However, his connection with Sorbello proved to be different and more lasting than his previous romantic endeavors.
Their relationship continued to develop after filming concluded, with both contestants choosing to pursue their connection in the real world. This marked the beginning of what would become one of reality television’s most scrutinized and discussed relationships, characterized by its ups and downs, public nature, and unconventional arrangements.
The Open Relationship Era
One of the most distinctive aspects of Calafiore and Sorbello’s relationship has been their decision to maintain an open arrangement. In October 2021, the couple publicly discussed their unconventional relationship structure, with Sorbello explaining their dynamic in detail.
“We’re open, and people are confused about that. They’re like, ‘Well, they’ve got to be f–king everybody and cheating,’” Sorbello shared, clarifying that their arrangement worked for them despite public misunderstanding. She emphasized that they had reached “such a good place” mentally and emotionally, describing their connection as strong across multiple dimensions: “The sex is good. The love is good. The friendship is good. This is my person.”
The open relationship structure allowed both partners to maintain their individual identities while building something together. This arrangement reflected their commitment to honesty and communication, even when it meant facing public criticism or confusion from fans and family members who didn’t understand their choices.
Personal Growth and Coming Out
Paulie Calafiore and Cara Maria Sorbello (Image via Getty)
A significant development in their relationship occurred in August 2023 when Calafiore came out as bisexual during his appearance on The Challenge: USA. This personal revelation added another layer to their already complex relationship dynamic, but Sorbello proved to be one of his biggest supporters during this journey.
Calafiore described feeling “so much anxiety” leading up to his coming out, but found tremendous support from Sorbello, who is also a member of the LGBTQ+ community. The experience brought them closer together and demonstrated the strength of their bond beyond traditional relationship expectations.
“I would say I’m very fortunate. I feel like a lot of the conversations and questions that might be a little difficult in that situation for a lot of people just weren’t,” Calafiore reflected on how his coming out affected their relationship. This period of personal growth and authenticity seemed to strengthen their connection and mutual understanding.
Recent Challenges and Reconciliation
In June 2024, speculation about their relationship status reached a fever pitch when Sorbello unfollowed Calafiore on Instagram and removed several couples photos from her social media accounts. This social media activity sparked widespread rumors about a potential breakup, leading to intense fan speculation and media coverage.
Their representatives addressed the situation by confirming that the couple was “working through something privately” and were “taking a little space from each other while working things out.” This period of separation allowed both partners to focus on individual growth and reflection about their relationship’s future.
However, by August 2024, sources revealed that the couple was actively working on their relationship. They were spotted together in Paris, filming a new project related to the Olympics with other reality stars and Olympians. This public appearance marked their first time being seen together since the split rumors began circulating.
Current Dating Status: A New Beginning
Paulie Calafiore (Image via Getty)
As of 2025, Paulie Calafiore and Cara Maria Sorbello are officially back together, but their approach to their relationship has evolved significantly. Sources close to the couple describe their current dynamic as essentially “meeting and dating for the first time again,” with both partners taking things slow and maintaining privacy about their renewed connection.
“They’re taking things slow and being very private,” an insider revealed, noting that Sorbello is “seeing growth” in Calafiore that she’s “always wanted to see.” This suggests that their time apart allowed for personal development that has positively impacted their relationship.
Their representatives have described this current phase as “an era of healing,” with both partners choosing not to label their relationship status while they focus on rebuilding their connection. This approach reflects their maturity and commitment to doing the work necessary to create a healthier dynamic.
Future Prospects: Marriage and Family
Despite their recent challenges, both Calafiore and Sorbello have expressed strong desires for marriage and children. In a June 2023 interview, Calafiore stated, “We want kids and we want marriage,” while acknowledging their unconventional approach to relationships.
Sorbello has been equally vocal about her commitment to Calafiore, declaring, “I absolutely would love to marry [Paulie]. I’ve never said that before, but [Paulie is] the person that I see for the rest of my life.” These statements indicate that despite their ups and downs, both partners see a long-term future together.
Their families and friends expect them to potentially surprise everyone with a spontaneous wedding announcement, given their tendency toward unconventional choices. “I think they expect us to randomly last minute be like, ‘Hey guys, we just got married,’” Calafiore noted about external expectations.
Jacob Tremblay, the talented Canadian actor who captured hearts worldwide with his breakthrough performance in “Room” (2015), has grown from a child star into a young adult while maintaining remarkable privacy about his personal life. Born on October 5, 2006, in Vancouver, British Columbia, the now 18-year-old actor has successfully navigated the challenging transition from child performer to teenage heartthrob while keeping his romantic relationships largely out of the public eye.
Despite his fame and success in Hollywood, Tremblay has managed to maintain a relatively normal life in Langley, British Columbia, where he continues to live with his family and attend public school. This grounded approach to fame has extended to his dating life, where rumors and speculation often overshadow confirmed relationships. As he told the Canadian Press in May 2023, “I still go to public school and what’s cool is that I’ve kind of lived in the same neighbourhood the majority of my life, so everyone there knows me and sees me as a regular dude.”
The young actor’s romantic timeline has been the subject of considerable speculation among fans and media outlets, with several rumored relationships with fellow young actresses making headlines over the years. However, distinguishing between genuine romantic connections and professional friendships has proven challenging, as Tremblay and his representatives have rarely confirmed or denied these relationships publicly. Understanding his dating history requires examining both confirmed relationships and persistent rumors that have followed his career trajectory.
Current Relationship Status
Jacob Tremblay (Image via Getty)
As of 2025, Jacob Tremblay appears to be single, with no confirmed romantic partner in the public eye. The actor has maintained exceptional privacy regarding his personal relationships, choosing to focus public attention on his flourishing career rather than his dating life. This discretion reflects a mature approach to fame that has served him well throughout his transition from child star to young adult performer.
Recent social media activity and public appearances suggest that Tremblay is prioritizing his education, career development, and family relationships over romantic pursuits. His continued residence in Langley, BC, with his family, and his commitment to maintaining a normal school experience indicate a young man focused on personal growth and professional excellence rather than high-profile relationships.
Past Relationships and Dating History
McKenna Grace
One of the most frequently discussed relationships in Tremblay’s dating history involves actress McKenna Grace, known for her roles in “Gifted” and “The Handmaid’s Tale.” The two young actors were rumored to have dated, though neither party ever publicly confirmed the relationship. Their connection likely stemmed from their shared experiences as child actors in Hollywood, where they moved in similar professional circles and attended industry events together.
The speculation about their relationship peaked during their teenage years when fans noticed their interactions on social media and at various entertainment industry gatherings. However, both actors maintained professional discretion about their personal lives, leaving fans to speculate based on limited public interactions and social media posts.
Brooklynn Prince
Another significant rumored relationship involved Brooklynn Prince, the talented young actress known for her breakthrough role in “The Florida Project.” The dating rumors between Tremblay and Prince circulated widely among entertainment media and fan communities, though, like his other rumored relationships, this connection was never officially confirmed by either party.
The speculation about their relationship appeared to be based on their professional interactions and shared status as acclaimed young performers in Hollywood. Both actors have demonstrated remarkable talent and maturity in their careers, making them natural subjects for relationship speculation within their peer group.
Simi Khadra
Simi Khadra represents another name linked to Tremblay’s dating history, though details about this rumored relationship remain particularly scarce. Khadra, part of the DJ duo Simi & Haze alongside her twin sister Haya, moves in entertainment circles that occasionally intersect with young Hollywood actors.
The connection between Tremblay and Khadra appears to have been brief and largely speculative, with limited evidence supporting claims of a romantic relationship. This rumored connection highlights the challenges young celebrities face in maintaining privacy while having normal social relationships.
Professional Relationships and Friendships
Jacob Tremblay (Image via Getty)
Co-Star Connections
Throughout his career, Tremblay has developed close friendships with many of his co-stars, relationships that fans and media often misinterpret as romantic connections. His collaboration with Millie Davis in “Wonder” sparked dating rumors, but Tremblay explicitly denied these allegations, stating that Davis was simply his best friend.
Similarly, his work with Keith L. Williams in “Good Boys” led to a strong friendship that has continued beyond their professional collaboration. These friendships demonstrate Tremblay’s ability to form meaningful connections with his peers while maintaining appropriate boundaries between personal and professional relationships.
Industry Friendships
Tremblay’s friendship with Jaeden Martell, which developed after their collaboration in “The Book of Henry,” represents another example of how his professional relationships often become the subject of speculation. These connections highlight the importance of peer support in the challenging world of young Hollywood performers.
Privacy and Media Approach
Family Influence
Tremblay’s approach to privacy regarding his dating life reflects strong family values and guidance. His continued residence with his family in British Columbia and his commitment to maintaining a normal educational experience suggest parental influence in managing his public persona and personal relationships.
The actor’s father, a police detective, and his family’s decision to keep him grounded in his hometown community have likely contributed to his mature approach to fame and relationships. This family support system has enabled him to navigate the pressures of celebrity while maintaining personal privacy.
Social Media Strategy
Tremblay’s social media presence reflects his commitment to privacy, with posts focusing primarily on professional projects, family moments, and personal interests rather than romantic relationships. This strategic approach has helped him maintain boundaries between his public and private life while still engaging with fans.
His Instagram account, which has garnered over one million followers, showcases his personality and interests without revealing intimate details about his dating life. This balance has allowed him to maintain fan engagement while protecting his personal relationships from public scrutiny.
Future Outlook
Jacob Tremblay (Image via Getty)
As Jacob Tremblay continues to mature both personally and professionally, his approach to relationships and privacy will likely evolve. His current focus on education, career development, and family relationships suggests a young man who understands the importance of building a strong foundation before pursuing serious romantic commitments.
The actor’s commitment to maintaining normalcy in his personal life, despite his Hollywood success, positions him well for healthy relationship development in the future. His grounded approach to fame and privacy will likely serve him well as he navigates adult relationships while maintaining his successful acting career.
