Kendall Jenner, the 29-year-old supermodel and reality TV star, has recently been linked to Australian actor Jacob Elordi, best known for his roles in Euphoria, Saltburn, and The Kissing Booth franchise. According to multiple sources, Jenner is deliberately keeping Elordi at arm's length from the intense scrutiny and drama that often accompanies dating someone from the Kardashian-Jenner family.

The romance rumors first surfaced in February, but the pair have remained remarkably private about any developments since then. Most updates have come from insiders close to the couple, who paint a picture of a relationship that is growing more serious than either party initially expected.

Shielding Elordi from the Kardashian Machine

A source told Page Six that Jenner is not rushing to introduce Elordi to the full embrace of what is often referred to as the 'Kardashian machine.' The insider noted, 'She's not rushing to throw him into the Kardashian machine. Very few men survive that.' This comment echoes the well-documented history of high-profile relationships that have crumbled under the weight of the family's relentless media presence and internal dynamics.

The source also revealed that Jenner is 'crazy about' Elordi, describing him as 'the first guy she has been crazy about in years.' This is significant given that Jenner has previously been linked to NBA players like Ben Simmons and Devin Booker, as well as rapper A$AP Rocky, but none of those relationships reached the level of intensity Jenner reportedly feels now.

A Bond Forged in Hawaii

The relationship reportedly took a pivotal turn during a getaway to Hawaii. 'Kendall really didn't expect to be this into him this fast, but Hawaii kind of changed everything,' another insider claimed. 'They got super close on that trip, and it definitely made their connection stronger.' The source further said that their relationship is 'becoming a lot more serious than she expected.'

Hawaii has a romantic history with the Kardashian-Jenner clan; the family often vacations there, and it was the setting for several milestone moments in various siblings' lives. For Jenner and Elordi, the tropical escape provided the privacy and intimacy needed to cement their bond away from the prying eyes of Los Angeles and the family's reality show cameras.

Low-Key Public Appearances

Shortly after their Hawaiian retreat, Kendall and Jacob were spotted leaving a party in Los Angeles alongside Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet. All four reportedly tried to avoid the cameras, but a paparazzo managed to photograph them inside their car. 'That's why you haven't seen the four of them anywhere else,' the insider noted, implying that the group is actively avoiding further public exposure.

This appearance marked one of the few times Elordi has been seen with the Kardashian-Jenner inner circle. The decision to keep a low profile suggests that Jenner is mindful of the intense media scrutiny that could potentially jeopardize their budding romance.

Jacob Elordi: Hollywood's Rising Star

Jacob Elordi, 27, has rapidly ascended in Hollywood over the past few years. He broke out as Noah Flynn in Netflix's The Kissing Booth trilogy, but earned critical acclaim for his portrayal of Nate Jacobs in HBO's Euphoria. His role as Felix Catton in Emerald Fennell's Saltburn further cemented his status as one of Hollywood's most promising young talents.

Elordi has been known to keep his personal life private, previous dating rumors include a brief romance with Euphoria co-star Zendaya, though neither ever publicly confirmed a relationship. He has also been linked to Olivia Jade and Kaia Gerber in the past. His reserved nature aligns with Jenner's own efforts to maintain a degree of privacy within the notoriously public Kardashian-Jenner sphere.

Kendall Jenner's History of High-Profile Relationships

Kendall Jenner has had her share of headline-making relationships. She dated NBA star Ben Simmons from 2018 to 2020, and was linked to Devin Booker from 2020 to 2022. Both relationships were pursued by tabloids relentlessly. Following her breakup with Booker, Jenner was rumored to have rekindled things with singer Bad Bunny during 2023. However, those rumors fizzled out, and she has been focusing on her modeling career and business ventures.

Jenner's approach to her relationship with Elordi signals a growth in her understanding of how to navigate romance under the spotlight. By keeping Elordi away from family drama, she is attempting to avoid the pitfalls that have sunk previous relationships—most notably the constant camera interference and the tendency of family members to comment on private matters.

The Kardashian-Jenner Family Drama Factor

Dating a member of the Kardashian-Jenner family inevitably involves navigating a thick web of personal interactions, public appearances, and media coverage. The family's reality show, Keeping Up with the Kardashians (and its successor The Kardashians on Hulu), has chronicled numerous romantic ups and downs. Kim Kardashian's marriages to Kris Humphries, Kanye West, and her brief relationship with Pete Davidson were all dissected on camera. Similarly, Kylie Jenner's relationships are a constant feature on the show.

This level of exposure often proves overwhelming for partners. Scott Disick, though he became a staple, struggled with the dynamic for years. Even the most stable relationships—like those of Khloé Kardashian and Tristan Thompson—have been fraught with infidelity scandals that exploded into public view. Kendall seems determined to shield Elordi from this destructive cycle.

Future Outlook: Will They Go Public?

As of now, neither Kendall Jenner nor Jacob Elordi have confirmed their relationship publicly. The couple continues to be photographed separately, with only the occasional paparazzi shot fueling speculation. Insiders suggest that if the relationship continues to deepen, a public debut may come eventually, but for now, Jenner is prioritizing a strong foundation away from the chaos.

The model's last few boyfriends all eventually made appearances on the family's show or at major events. Whether Elordi will follow suit remains uncertain. Given his career focus on serious acting projects—he is currently attached to Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein and other high-profile films—he may prefer to maintain his distance from reality TV branding.

Professional Pressures: Balancing Fame and Romance

Both Jenner and Elordi are at critical points in their careers. Jenner remains one of the highest-paid models in the world, regularly walking for luxury fashion houses like Chanel, Versace, and Balenciaga. She has also expanded her portfolio with her tequila brand 818 and modeling projects. Elordi, on the other hand, is transitioning from teen heartthrob roles to more mature, nuanced projects. His upcoming role as the Monster in Frankenstein is highly anticipated.

Managing a relationship while both are under intense professional scrutiny is challenging. The couple's low-key approach suggests they are committed to making it work without the added pressure of public expectations. 'Kendall is very smart about this,' said a source. 'She knows how toxic the spotlight can be. She's not about to make the same mistakes twice.'

It remains to be seen how the relationship evolves. But if Jenner's protective instincts are any indication, Jacob Elordi may have a better chance of surviving the Kardashian machine than any of her previous partners. For now, fans will have to settle for rare glimpses of the couple together and the occasional insider update.

Source: Yahoo Entertainment News