Lupita Nyong'o speaks on breaking up with Selema Masekela

A collage of Lupita Nyong'o and Selema Masekela.

Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o recently shared insights into her personal life, detailing her breakup with Selema Masekela, a prominent TV host and sports commentator.

In an interview with PORTER, NET-A-PORTER's digital magazine, the 40-year-old actress opened up about the emotional challenges she faced and her decision to publicly address her heartbreak last October.

Nyong'o, who has generally kept her personal life away from the spotlight, took a significant step by announcing her separation from Masekela on social media.

Reflecting on this move, she said, "I was living in a lot of pain and heartbreak." Nyong'o highlighted her intention to break free from the common social media narrative that portrays life as perpetually perfect.

"I looked at the environment of my social media and thought I don't want to be a part of this illusion that everything is always coming up roses," she stated.

The actress, renowned for her roles in critically acclaimed films such as "12 Years a Slave" and "Black Panther," explained that her initial openness about her relationship stemmed from a place of confidence and assurance.

However, moving forward, Nyong'o intends to revert to a more private approach when it comes to personal matters, acknowledging the wisdom in her previous discretion.

Despite the recent heartbreak, Nyong'o spoke about the importance of love in life and her openness to experiencing it again. "Our purpose in life is to love. And so you have to get back in it," she said.

The relationship between Nyong'o and Masekela was publicly acknowledged in December 2022, though the details of their romance's beginnings were kept private.

In an Instagram post dated October 19, 2023, Nyong'o candidly discussed the breakup, attributing the end of their relationship to unforeseen deception.

"I find myself in a season of heartbreak because of a love suddenly and devastatingly extinguished by deception," she revealed, sharing her initial inclination to withdraw from the public eye until she felt strong enough to face the world again.

However, Nyong'o chose to confront her pain directly, believing in the growth and learning that can emerge from such experiences.

"I am tempted to run into the shadows and hide, only to return to the light when I have regained my strength enough for me to say, 'Whatever, my life is better this way.' But I am reminded that the magnitude of the pain I am feeling is equal to the measure of my capacity for love," she shared.