How ‘Wakanda Forever’ Helped Lupita Nyong’o Grieve Chadwick Boseman
Lupita Nyong’o chats with USA TODAY’s Anika Reed about “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and how she remembers her late co-star Chadwick Boseman.
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Lupita Nyong’o says she’s in a “season of heartbreak” in the midst of a new breakup.
Even though the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” actress knows “there are much more important things going on in the world right now,” she felt compelled to “tell a personal truth and publicly distance myself from someone I can no longer trust.” . according to her Instagram post on Thursday.
Although she didn’t specifically name who she was referring to, Nyong’o is in a relationship with TV presenter Selema Masekela. The two seemingly confirmed their relationship and went Instagram official in December, although it’s unclear when the two met, according to People.
Her heartbreak, she added, was due to “a love suddenly and devastatingly snuffed out by deception.”
Her announcement comes a day after she was spotted attending a Janelle Monáe concert with actor Joshua Jackson amid his divorce from Jodie Turner-Smith. The Chron published photos of the two at the concert in Los Angeles on October 18th.
On Instagram, Nyong’o continued: “But I am reminded that the level of pain I feel is equal to the level of my capacity for love. And so I choose to face the pain and cultivate the courage to face mine.” To live life exactly as it is and to trust that this too shall pass. The promise, they say, is that a tender heart produces fearlessness.”
Nyong’o hopes that disclosing how she deals with a breakup “could be useful to someone else out there who is suffering from grief and is ready to escape the pain and miss out on the wisdom that comes from it.” she wrote, adding “#Breakup.”
“Let’s face our pain so we don’t spread it,” she concluded her message.
Gabrielle Union-Wade, Ava DuVernay and Marlon Wayans share love and advice
Several friends chimed in on Nyong’o’s post, sharing their love and supportive comments.
Gabrielle Union-Wade kept it simple with two black hearts and the prayer hands emoji, while Marlon Wayans reminded Nyong’o, “Trust God. He wants something better for you.”
“All lessons are a blessing, especially the painful ones. This too will pass. Warm hugs. Be kind to yourself as you heal,” the comedian and author wrote. “I always say whenever I have a breakup, ‘I’m lucky, I can love ME again. I missed you.’ Love you, woman.
Josh Gad expressed his love and Ava DuVernay said, “We lift you up with love and sisterhood. Your miracles are all around you. Let us count them with confidence and faith.”
“Black Panther” Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter urged Nyong’o to “rely on your supportive friends,” adding, “I’m here to calm your heart.”
“A therapeutic journey”: Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong’o on “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”
According to People, Nyong’o wished Masekela a happy birthday in August. As of Thursday, the post is no longer visible on her Instagram feed.
“And THEN… the universe saw fit to place this sunshine human ☀️ into my orbit and this day marks his entry into life,” she wrote on social media at the time, according to the outlet. “Every day is full of #goodenergy and reasons to dance with @selema as my favorite playmate. Happy birthday, mi amor!”
Responding to her post, Masekela wrote: “sneaky mi amor. The luckiest man in the world. My heart smiles wide.”
Masekela has not yet commented on the split.