The Unspoken Truth: 7 Clues Fueling The 'Belfort And Lupin' (Assane And Benjamin) Gay Fan Theory

The relationship between Assane Diop and his lifelong accomplice, Benjamin Férel, has become one of the most intensely debated dynamics in modern television. Since the Netflix sensation *Lupin* first aired, a massive segment of the audience has begun to 'ship' the two characters, giving rise to the pervasive "Belfort and Lupin gay" theory. This article, updated for late 2025, dives deep into the subtle on-screen clues, the undeniable chemistry, and the fan community's powerful arguments that suggest their bond goes far beyond a simple friendship, analyzing the evidence from the most recent seasons.

Before proceeding, it's important to clarify the name confusion: the character in the Netflix series is Benjamin Férel, a master jeweler and fence, not "Belfort." The name "Belfort" is a common fan-driven misnomer or a mix-up with a separate animated series, but the theory unequivocally centers on Assane Diop and his trusted friend, Benjamin. Their bond is the very foundation of Assane's heists and his personal life, leading many to question why such an intimate, sacrificial partnership remains strictly platonic in the show's canon.

Benjamin Férel: The Master Jeweler & Assane's Lifeline

Benjamin Férel, portrayed by actor Antoine Gouy, is not just a sidekick; he is Assane Diop's most essential confidant and collaborator. His biography is a testament to his loyalty and crucial role in the *Lupin* universe.

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• Full Name: Benjamin Férel
• Portrayed By: Antoine Gouy
• Occupation: Master Jeweler, Antique Shop Owner, and Fence for Stolen Goods (primarily Assane's)
• Relationship with Assane: Best friend and trusted accomplice since their boarding school days at Collège d'Andrésy.
• Key Role: The only person who knows all of Assane's secrets, plans, and true identity. He provides the tools, disguises, and expertise needed to fence the stolen goods and execute the heists.
• Status in Season 3: Benjamin's loyalty is tested and reaffirmed when he is forced to make a major sacrifice for Assane's family, leading to his own arrest.
• Topical Authority Entities: Antoine Gouy, Omar Sy, Assane Diop, Claire Laurent, Raoul Diop, Arsène Lupin, Collège d'Andrésy, Hubert Pellegrini, Youssef Guedira.

7 Undeniable Clues Fueling the Assane and Benjamin 'Gay' Theory

The intensity of the Assane/Benjamin relationship has led to a massive following on fan fiction sites like Archive of Our Own (AO3), where "Assane Diop/Benjamin Ferel" is a highly popular pairing. Fans argue that the writers intentionally or unintentionally infused their dynamic with all the hallmarks of a romantic partnership, just without the explicit label.

1. The Unwavering, Sacrificial Loyalty

Benjamin's loyalty surpasses even that of Assane's ex-wife, Claire. He consistently risks his business, his freedom, and his life without question or complaint. In Season 3, Benjamin is willing to go to prison to protect Assane's mother and family, a sacrifice often reserved for a spouse or life partner. This level of dedication is seen by many as a form of unconditional love that transcends mere friendship.

2. The 'Co-Parenting' Dynamic

While Assane is often absent or focused on his heists, Benjamin acts as a stable, trusted figure for Assane’s son, Raoul. He is frequently integrated into the family’s life, fulfilling a role that mirrors a second parent or a beloved uncle who is always there. The comfort and ease with which Benjamin interacts with Raoul and Claire suggest a deep, established domestic intimacy.

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3. The 'Only One Who Knows' Trope

Benjamin is consistently framed as the only person Assane truly trusts. He is the keeper of all Assane's secrets, the architect of his disguises, and the sole recipient of his deepest vulnerabilities. This narrative device is commonly used in fiction to establish a central, intimate relationship, often romantic in nature, where one character is the other's "true north."

4. Intimate and Familiar On-Screen Interactions

Their scenes are often characterized by a closeness that feels more profound than typical male friendships. The shared glances, the shorthand language, the immediate understanding of each other's plans, and the physical proximity in high-stress situations all contribute to the perception of a deeply entwined, almost codependent bond. The comfort they share in each other's presence is palpable to viewers.

5. The Absence of Other Significant Relationships for Benjamin

Assane has a complex but central relationship with Claire. In contrast, Benjamin's personal life and romantic interests are virtually non-existent in the series. His entire existence seems to revolve around his antique shop and his dedication to Assane's missions. This narrative choice leaves a void that fans fill with the theory that his true focus—and perhaps his unrequited love—is Assane.

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6. The 'Queer-Coded' Character Tropes

Benjamin, with his elegant antique shop, his expertise in art and jewels, and his refined, somewhat reserved demeanor, is seen by some fans as fitting into a classic "queer-coded" character archetype—a character whose traits and deep personal devotion to the protagonist hint at a non-heterosexual identity without explicit confirmation. Fan communities often use tags like "Gay Benjamin Ferel" and "Queer Benjamin Ferel" to identify this subtext.

7. The Emotional Weight of Their Separations

Whenever Assane and Benjamin are separated, the emotional stakes feel incredibly high. The relief and intensity of their reunions, particularly after close calls or long periods of hiding, are often portrayed with the same dramatic weight as a romantic couple reuniting. The ending of Season 3, where Benjamin is arrested, is emotionally devastating for Assane, illustrating the profound personal cost of their partnership.

The Official Stance: Friendship in the Face of Fandom

Despite the overwhelming fan support for a romantic pairing, the canonical relationship between Assane Diop and Benjamin Férel remains a devoted, platonic friendship. The narrative of *Lupin* consistently focuses on Assane's family unit with Claire and Raoul as his primary emotional anchor and motivation.

Neither the show's creators nor the actors, Omar Sy (Assane) and Antoine Gouy (Benjamin), have publicly confirmed or even hinted at a romantic subtext. Their interviews generally focus on the depth of the characters' bond, emphasizing their history from boarding school and the mutual trust required for their criminal activities. The writers appear to be telling a story about the power of lifelong, non-romantic brotherhood, a relationship built on shared history and mutual risk.

However, the existence of such a passionate and detailed fan theory highlights a significant trend in modern media consumption: the audience's desire to see more diverse and deeply explored LGBTQ+ relationships, even in established franchises. The "Belfort and Lupin gay" theory is a testament to the powerful chemistry between the actors and the ambiguous, intense nature of the bond the writers have created, allowing the fandom to fill in the blanks with a compelling, unconfirmed love story.

Topical Authority Entities & Keywords

The discussion around Assane and Benjamin naturally pulls in several key entities that define the *Lupin* universe and the fan discourse:

• Netflix Original Series
• Gentleman Thief (Assane's persona)
• Fan Fiction (AO3)
• Queer Coding
• Omar Sy (Assane's actor)
• Antoine Gouy (Benjamin's actor)
• Lupin Part 3 (Season 3)
• Assane Diop/Benjamin Ferel (Fandom Pairing)
• Brotherhood vs. Romance

As the series moves towards its next installment, whether *Lupin* will ever address the intense speculation surrounding Assane and Benjamin's relationship remains a major question mark. For now, the complexity of their bond—a friendship so deep it rivals romance—continues to be one of the most intriguing and debated elements of the show.