The Real Reason Why Billie Eilish And Jesse Rutherford Broke Up: Inside The 'Amicable' Split And Controversial Age Gap

The whirlwind romance between global pop sensation Billie Eilish and The Neighbourhood frontman Jesse Rutherford captivated—and often polarized—the world of celebrity news. As of today, December 11, 2025, the relationship is definitively over, with the couple having officially split in May 2023 after a seven-month public dating period. The latest reports confirm that despite the breakup, their connection remains strong, with Eilish referring to Rutherford as "my homie forever."

The core of the public's fascination and controversy centered on the significant 11-year age gap between the two musicians. While their time together was brief, it was marked by high-profile appearances, a viral couples' costume, and a surprisingly mature approach to navigating their celebrity status. Here is an in-depth look at the relationship, the reason for the split, and where both stars stand now.

Complete Profile: Billie Eilish and Jesse Rutherford

To fully understand the dynamic of their high-profile pairing, it is essential to know the backgrounds of the two artists.

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Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O'Connell

• Role: American singer-songwriter, musician.
• Born: December 18, 2001 (Age 23 as of late 2024).
• Hometown: Los Angeles, California.
• Career Highlights: Rose to fame with the viral single "Ocean Eyes" in 2015. Her debut studio album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? (2019), topped charts globally. She is a multiple Grammy Award winner, including the "Big Four" categories, and an Academy Award (Oscar) winner for "No Time to Die" and "What Was I Made For?" from the Barbie soundtrack.
• Family: Home-schooled alongside her collaborator and brother, Finneas O'Connell.

Jesse James Rutherford

• Role: American singer, songwriter, and former actor.
• Born: August 21, 1991 (Age 33 as of 2024).
• Hometown: Newbury Park, California.
• Career Highlights: Best known as the co-founder and lead vocalist of the alternative rock band The Neighbourhood, famous for hits like "Sweater Weather" and "Daddy Issues." He began his career as a child actor, appearing in films like Life or Something Like It (2002). He also pursues a solo career under the name Jesse.
• Previous Relationship: Dated model Devon Lee Carlson for several years.

The Timeline of the Short-Lived Romance

The relationship between Eilish and Rutherford was one of the most talked-about celebrity pairings of late 2022, primarily due to the 10-to-11-year age difference (Eilish was 20 when they started dating, and Rutherford was 31).

From Rumors to Official Status (October 2022)

Rumors first began swirling in early October 2022 when the two were spotted holding hands at Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights. The speculation intensified after they were seen kissing outside a restaurant in Studio City, California. Despite the immediate public scrutiny over their age gap, Eilish seemed unbothered, often expressing her happiness in interviews.

The Controversial Halloween Costume

The couple made their relationship highly visible—and controversial—with a matching Halloween costume that directly addressed the public's criticism. For Halloween 2022, Eilish dressed as a baby, complete with a bonnet and diaper, while Rutherford donned an old man costume, featuring a bald cap and gray hair. This move was seen by some fans as a playful clapback at the age gap commentary, but others labeled it as "sick and twisted," arguing it drew unnecessary attention to a sensitive subject.

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Red Carpet Debut and Public Affection

The pair made their official red carpet debut at the LACMA Art + Film Gala in November 2022, where they wore matching Gucci-designed pajamas. Throughout the following months, they were often seen together, with Eilish confirming the relationship in a Vanity Fair interview, stating she was "really happy and excited" and that she "managed to get to a point where I just know who I am."

The Final Public Appearance

Their last notable public appearance together was reportedly at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April 2023. Eilish then attended the prestigious Met Gala in May 2023 alone, sparking immediate rumors of a split. The relationship lasted approximately seven months.

The Real Reason for the Breakup and Current Status

Following the Met Gala appearance, representatives for the two stars confirmed the breakup in May 2023. However, the exact reasons were initially kept private, with the official statement emphasizing an "amicable split" and that they "remain good friends."

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Billie Eilish's Personal Clarity

Months after the split, Eilish offered a rare glimpse into her decision-making process. In a candid interview, she was quoted as saying she “woke up and came to my senses,” suggesting the end of the relationship was a result of personal growth and a change in perspective.

Crucially, she dismissed any rumors of drama or infidelity, stressing that the separation was completely amicable. She went on to describe Rutherford in the warmest terms, stating, "He’s my homie forever." This emphasis on a lasting, platonic bond suggests the end was less a dramatic fallout and more a mutual decision based on where they were in their individual lives and careers.

Where Are They Now?

Billie Eilish's Dating Life

Since the split, Billie Eilish has been linked to other individuals. The most prominent new beau is actor Nat Wolff, known for his roles in films like Paper Towns. The two were spotted together on multiple occasions, including a romantic evening in November 2023, suggesting Eilish has moved on and is enjoying her life post-Rutherford.

Jesse Rutherford's Next Chapter

Jesse Rutherford has kept a notably lower profile since the breakup. While social media rumors periodically surface about a new girlfriend, reliable sources indicate that he has not publicly confirmed any new romantic relationships. His focus appears to be on his music career, both with The Neighbourhood and his solo work, as he navigates life after his high-profile relationship with the pop superstar.

Topical Authority and Key Entities

The relationship between Billie Eilish and Jesse Rutherford, though brief, serves as a significant chapter in both their public narratives. The relationship will be forever defined by the conversation surrounding the age gap, which they addressed head-on with their Halloween costumes. The narrative of their split—being "amicable" and remaining "good friends"—is an increasingly common, mature approach to celebrity breakups, contrasting sharply with the drama often associated with high-profile pairings.

The entities central to this story include the alternative rock band The Neighbourhood, their iconic song "Sweater Weather," Eilish's brother and collaborator Finneas O'Connell, Eilish's debut album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, the actor Nat Wolff, and Eilish's previous boyfriend Brandon "Q" Adams. Key events like the 2023 Met Gala and the viral Halloween 2022 moment provide the context for their short but memorable time together.