The Unconventional Partnership: Who Is Shay Mitchell's Partner, Matte Babel, And Why They Vetoed Marriage

The question of who holds the heart of Canadian actress and entrepreneur Shay Mitchell is a constant source of fascination for fans, and the answer lies in a long-term, modern, and notably unconventional partnership with entertainment executive Matte Babel. As of late 2024, the couple remains firmly together, sharing a life that is both high-profile and fiercely private, centered around their two young daughters. Their relationship has redefined traditional celebrity romance, prioritizing co-parenting and mutual respect over a marriage certificate, a decision Mitchell has openly championed in recent interviews, ensuring their story remains one of the most talked-about in Hollywood.

The dynamic between the Pretty Little Liars star and the former entertainment correspondent is a testament to shared Canadian roots, professional ambition, and a commitment to building a family outside of societal expectations. This deep dive explores the man who is Shay Mitchell's partner, his impressive career pivot, their family life, and the intentional choice they made to forgo a wedding, cementing their status as a power couple of the new era.

Shay Mitchell: A Full Biography and Career Profile

Shay Mitchell is a globally recognized figure, celebrated for her acting roles, entrepreneurial ventures, and influential social media presence. Her career trajectory demonstrates a powerful blend of artistic talent and sharp business acumen.

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• Full Name: Shannon Ashley Garcia Mitchell
• Date of Birth: April 10, 1987
• Place of Birth: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
• Nationality: Canadian and Filipino (through her mother)
• Occupation: Actress, Model, Entrepreneur, Author
• Known For (Acting):
  • Emily Fields in Pretty Little Liars (2010–2017)
  • Peach Salinger in You (2018)
  • Stella Cole in Dollface (2019–2022)
• Entrepreneurial Ventures:
  • Co-founder of the travel lifestyle brand BÉIS (BÉIS Travel)
  • Co-founder of the tequila seltzer brand Onda Tequila Seltzer
• Notable Achievements: Teen Choice Awards, People's Choice Awards nominations, and a significant presence as a digital influencer.

Matte Babel: From Hollywood Reporter to Entertainment Mogul

Matte Babel, Shay Mitchell's partner, is far more than just a celebrity boyfriend; he is a highly successful Canadian media personality who has transitioned into a powerful executive role within the music and entertainment industry.

The Early Career as a Journalist and Host

Babel, a native of Toronto, Canada, first gained recognition as a prominent figure in Canadian media. He is an alumnus of Wilfrid Laurier University, where he studied communication and media. His early career saw him become a familiar face on television, particularly in the realm of music and pop culture reporting.

He spent years as a popular VJ (Video Jockey) for Much Music, a Canadian music television channel, interviewing some of the biggest names in the industry.

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Later, he moved to Los Angeles and became the Hollywood correspondent for Entertainment Tonight Canada (ET Canada), covering major film premieres, award shows, and celebrity news.

The Pivot to Executive Management: DreamCrew and Drake

In a significant career pivot that solidified his status as a true industry player, Matte Babel transitioned from journalism to the executive side of entertainment. He is currently a high-ranking executive—specifically the Chief Brand Officer (CBO) and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)—at DreamCrew.

DreamCrew is the management and entertainment company co-founded by the Canadian rapper Drake and his business partner, Adel "Future" Nur.

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In this influential role, Babel oversees a vast portfolio of projects, including managing Drake's professional career and business ventures. A key responsibility includes overseeing Drake’s Nike sub-label, Nocta, which blends sports and street culture.

This executive position places Babel at the intersection of music, fashion, and brand strategy, making him a powerful force behind the scenes in global entertainment.

The Shay Mitchell and Matte Babel Relationship Timeline

Shay Mitchell and Matte Babel's romance began quietly, away from the public eye, before evolving into a celebrated modern family unit.

How the Couple Met and Their Early Years

The couple first met through mutual friends in Los Angeles.

While they were both originally from Toronto, their paths truly crossed in the L.A. entertainment scene. They were first romantically linked in January 2017.

Their relationship quickly became a serious long-term commitment, though they maintained a relatively private profile compared to many other celebrity couples.

Co-Parenting and Their Two Daughters

The most significant milestones in their relationship have been the births of their two children, both daughters, whom they are raising in a co-parenting setup.

• Atlas Noa Babel: Their first daughter, Atlas Noa, was born in October 2019. Mitchell documented her pregnancy and the birth in a raw, emotional YouTube series, providing fans with a candid look at their journey to parenthood.
• Rome Babel: Their second daughter, Rome, was born in May 2022. The name Rome is a touching tribute to Mitchell's late grandmother, Romaine.

The couple often shares glimpses of their family life on social media, showcasing their commitment to raising their daughters together while balancing two demanding, high-powered careers. Mitchell’s travel brand, BÉIS, often features products inspired by her experiences as a mother, further blending her personal and professional worlds.

The Modern Choice: Why Shay Mitchell and Matte Babel Aren't Getting Married

One of the most unique and widely discussed aspects of Shay Mitchell and Matte Babel's relationship is their intentional decision to remain unmarried, despite being long-term partners and parents to two children. This choice is a conscious departure from Hollywood tradition and a statement on their personal values.

"Zero Pressure" and Personal Freedom

In interviews, Shay Mitchell has consistently expressed that she feels "zero pressure" to marry Matte Babel. Her perspective is that a wedding ring is not a necessary component for a strong, committed, and loving relationship.

She emphasized that she is "not living it for anybody other than myself" and that the absence of a marriage license does not diminish the depth of their bond or their commitment as a family.

A Focus on Partnership and Family

Their relationship dynamic is centered on being a powerful partnership and a dedicated co-parenting team for Atlas Noa and Rome. Mitchell has often referred to Babel as her "partner" or "baby daddy," highlighting the functional, modern roles they occupy.

This unconventional approach resonates with many contemporary couples who view marriage as a societal construct rather than a relationship necessity. For Mitchell and Babel, the stability and happiness of their family unit is the ultimate measure of their success as a couple.

Their story serves as a progressive example in the entertainment world, proving that a long-term, successful, and celebrity-status relationship can thrive without adhering to every traditional milestone. As they continue to raise their daughters and navigate their separate, yet intertwined, careers in acting, entrepreneurship, and executive management, Shay Mitchell and Matte Babel remain one of the most intriguing and stable long-term partnerships in the industry today.