In the landscape of modern celebrity, few figures have navigated the intersection of fashion, feminism, and fame as skillfully as Emily Ratajkowski.
Known to her millions of followers as “EmRata,” the 34-year-old model and author of the New York Times bestseller My Body remains a focal point of public fascination.
The conversation around Ratajkowski has shifted from her “Blurred Lines” breakout to her complex identity as a Polish-Israeli woman, her high-profile dating history with A-listers like Brad Pitt, and her candid journey as a single mother.
Is Emily Ratajkowski Israeli? Understanding Her Complex Heritage
One of the most frequently searched questions regarding the supermodel concerns her nationality and ethnicity.
While Emily Ratajkowski was born in London and raised in Encinitas, California, she has consistently self-identified as “Polish-Israeli.”
This dual identification stems from her parents’ diverse backgrounds. Her father, John David Ratajkowski, is a painter of half-Polish descent with additional Irish and German roots, raised Roman Catholic.
Her mother, Kathleen Balgley, a professor, is Jewish. Ratajkowski has explained that her maternal ancestors made “aliyah” (immigrated to Israel) from Eastern Europe, and she has relatives living in Israel today.
Ethnically, her background is a rich tapestry of British Isles, German, Polish, and Jewish ancestry.
Despite her Polish-Israeli self-identification, she is an American citizen by upbringing, though she often pays homage to her Eastern European roots—most notably by teaching fans the correct Polish pronunciation of her surname: “Rat-ah-COF-sky.”
The Brad Pitt Rumors: Did They Actually Date?
In the whirlwind of celebrity gossip following her 2022 split from ex-husband Sebastian Bear-McClard, one name stood out: Brad Pitt.
In late 2022, multiple reports surfaced that the Oscar-winning actor and the supermodel were “hanging out.”
- The Nature of the Fling: Insiders at the time described the relationship as “very casual” and in the “early stages.” Sources claimed they went on a few dates and had a mutual passion for art.
- The Outcome: Despite the intense media scrutiny, the rumored romance was short-lived. Neither party ever formally confirmed they were “dating,” and by the end of 2022, Ratajkowski had moved on to other high-profile interests, including Pete Davidson.
Life as a Single Mom: Breadwinner and Advocate
Beyond the red carpets, Emily Ratajkowski’s primary role is that of a single mother. She shares a five-year-old son, Sylvester “Sly” Apollo Bear (born March 2021), with Bear-McClard.
Since filing for divorce in September 2022, she has become a vocal advocate for the “single mom” experience, often discussing the “subversive” nature of motherhood on her podcast, High Low with EmRata.
Ratajkowski has described her current life as being the “breadwinner” for her son, a responsibility she takes seriously while balancing a high-octane modeling career.
In various interviews throughout 2025 and 2026, she has noted that she enjoys her independence, stating that for the first time in her life, she feels she is the “chooser” in her relationships rather than someone seeking protection.
Who is Emily Ratajkowski Dating Now?
Currently, Emily Ratajkowski appears to have found a more stable romantic footing. After a string of viral dates—including Harry Styles in Tokyo and comedian Eric André—she is currently linked to French filmmaker Romain Gavras.
The couple reportedly “hard launched” their relationship on Instagram in early 2026 and have been spotted together at several high-profile events.
Gavras, known for directing visually striking music videos and films, previously dated singer Dua Lipa.
For Ratajkowski, this new chapter seems to prioritize “community with other women and queer people” while maintaining a romantic life that doesn’t “stifle her instincts.”
Whether she is walking for Gucci on the French Riviera or walking her son to preschool in New York City, EmRata continues to redefine the modern supermodel as a multifaceted woman of substance, heritage, and fierce independence.