Moby Admits It’s Still ‘Hard for Me to Make Sense’ of Natalie Portman’s Negative Comments About Their Past Relationship

Moby Opens Up About Controversial Past Relationship with Natalie Portman

Musician Moby has recently revisited claims regarding his past relationship with actress Natalie Portman during an interview with The Times. The singer, now 60, first disclosed their alleged romance in his 2019 memoir, “Then It Fell Apart,” asserting that he and Portman dated in 1999 when he was 33 and she was 18. This revelation has since sparked controversy, particularly as Portman has publicly denied Moby’s characterisation of their interaction as dating.

Portman, who was just beginning her career at the time, expressed her disbelief upon hearing Moby’s claims back in 2019. She stated, “I was surprised to hear that he characterised the very short time that I knew him as dating because my recollection is a much older man being creepy with me.” Her comments highlight the discomfort she felt regarding the age difference and the nature of their interactions.

In the latest interview, Moby reflected on the situation, admitting, “It’s hard for me to make sense of it.” This admission points toward a level of introspection, as Moby acknowledged the complexities surrounding their brief entanglement. When asked about the nature of the disagreement between him and Portman, he remarked, “In so far as I’m capable of perspective on that, I don’t disagree with what you’re saying,” suggesting an understanding of the impact their meeting had on Portman.

Portman’s recollection of their time together paints a different picture from Moby’s narrative. She recalled meeting the musician as a fan after one of his concerts. Their interaction, initially friendly, morphed into something that made her uncomfortable. “When we met after the show, he said, ‘Let’s be friends,’” she recounted. However, she quickly realised that Moby’s interest felt inappropriate given their significant age difference.

Following the backlash from Portman’s comments, Moby issued an apology within days, acknowledging his insensitivity. He expressed regret for not informing her of her inclusion in his memoir and recognised the distress it may have caused her and her family. “I have a lot of admiration for Natalie, for her intelligence, creativity, and animal rights activism, and I hate that I might have caused her and her family distress,” he stated with evident sincerity.

Addressing the notable age gap of nearly 14 years between them, Moby took responsibility for his actions, admitting that he “absolutely should’ve acted more responsibly and respectfully” during their initial encounter nearly two decades ago. His comments reflect a willingness to confront the implications of their relationship and the societal norms regarding age differences.

Moby’s reflections come at a time when discussions surrounding consent and appropriate relationships between older men and younger women are increasingly prevalent. This incident has resurfaced conversations about the dynamics between celebrity culture and power imbalances, emphasising the importance of respectful interactions.

In addition to addressing his past, Moby continues to move forward in his career. On the same day as the interview, he released his 23rd studio album, “Future Quiet,” and announced plans to perform at the upcoming 2026 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. His commitment to his music suggests that he is determined to maintain his relevance within the industry, despite any personal controversies that may arise.

As Moby reflects on his past and moves ahead with his career, the ongoing discussion surrounding his relationship with Portman underscores the complexities of personal narratives in the public eye. The diverging accounts serve as a reminder of the varying perspectives individuals may have on shared experiences, particularly in the context of age differences and power dynamics.