The pair were first linked in 2022 following Ali’s divorce from businessperson Justin Hakuta and Bill’s split from Anna Kendrick. According to Ali, they first met at a dinner party and later reconnected when Bill called her after learning of her divorce, getting her number from a mutual friend.
“He was like, ‘Hey, I just happened to hear the news about your divorce and I’ve had a crush on you forever,'” she said at the 2024 Netflix Is a Joke Festival. “‘I actually told my best friend years ago that you were my dream girl, and I know it sounds crazy, but I want you to be my girlfriend.'”
According to Page Six, they dated “very briefly” before ending their relationship later that year. They dated for “at least two months…They’re just super busy with things, but [the split] was certainly amicable. They’re certainly friends.”
Ultimately, the two did get back together. Bill’s rep confirmed in April 2023 that he and Ali were back on after Bill mentioned having a “girlfriend” in an interview. But you know what they say — sometimes the issues that caused the first breakup end up causing the second one, and in this case, it sounds like that’s what happened.
According to People, both had busy schedules and family obligations that made it hard for them to spend time together.
“It was too difficult to make the relationship work with Ali’s upcoming stand up tour and Bill’s various film and tv projects this year,” a source told the outlet.
The source added that Ali — who shares two children with Justin, and Bill, who has three kids with his ex-wife Maggie Carey — are “focusing on their work and kids.” They’re also “continuing to support and root for each other.”
“They are very much friends and still in touch,” the source said, describing Ali and Bill’s relationship as “very amicable.”
Reps for Ali and Bill did not immediately return BuzzFeed’s request for comment, but if true, I’m glad that they seem to be handling their breakup so maturely. Wishing them both the best moving forward.