Marshall Mathers is the king of keeping us guessing. For years, if you asked about Eminem dating who, the answer was usually a shrug and a "probably nobody." He’s the most famous recluse in Detroit. But late 2025 changed the script. Reports started swirling that the man who once rapped about his "trust issues" finally let someone in.
And no, it’s not a pop star.
The name popping up everywhere is Katrina Malota. If you don't know her, you've definitely seen her work. She’s been his longtime stylist and hair specialist for years. Honestly, it makes sense. Em has always been vocal about how hard it is to meet people at his level of fame. He’s said in the past that he doesn't know what people's "real motives" are. With Katrina, that history is already there. They’ve worked together on music videos and tours since way back.
Why the Katrina Malota Rumors Feel Different
In October 2025, major outlets like TMZ and E! News dropped the bombshell that their professional bond turned romantic. This isn't just a random "seen at a club" rumor. Sources close to the camp suggest this is the first serious thing he’s had since his second divorce from Kim Scott in 2006.
That’s a long dry spell. Nearly twenty years.
📖 Related: Judge Dana and Keith Cutler: What Most People Get Wrong About TV’s Favorite Legal Couple
He’s 53 now. He’s a grandfather. Life looks different for him. He’s spent most of the 2020s focused on his sobriety and his kids. Seeing him linked to someone from his "inner circle" feels authentic to who Marshall is today. He’s always kept his circle tiny.
The Kim Scott Ghost: Why He Stayed Single So Long
To understand Eminem dating who in 2026, you have to look at why he stopped dating for two decades. Kim Scott wasn't just an ex-wife. She was his childhood sweetheart. They met when he was 15 and she was 13. They went through the lean years, the "infinite" years, and the massive explosion of The Slim Shady LP.
They married in 1999. Divorced in 2001.
They married again in 2006. Divorced the same year.
It was toxic. It was beautiful. It was a mess. After that second split, Marshall basically retreated. He admitted to Vulture back in 2017 that he’d tried Tinder and even going to strip clubs to meet women, but nothing stuck. He sounded lonely but resigned. He famously told the interviewer, "Dating’s just not where I’m at lately."
👉 See also: The Billy Bob Tattoo: What Angelina Jolie Taught Us About Inking Your Ex
The "Grandpa" Era
Something shifted when his daughter Hailie Jade got married in May 2024. Then, the world watched him tear up in the "Temporary" music video when she handed him that "Grandpa" jersey.
His grandson, Elliot Marshall, was born in March 2025.
Becoming a grandfather has clearly softened him. You can hear it in the music. You can see it in his public appearances at Detroit Lions games. He’s not the angry guy in the hockey mask anymore. He’s a family man who has finally found a rhythm. Maybe that’s why he finally felt comfortable letting a relationship like the one with Katrina go public.
Sorting Fact From Fiction: The Women He Didn't Date
The internet loves a good reach. Over the years, plenty of names have been thrown into the Eminem dating who ring, usually with zero evidence.
✨ Don't miss: Birth Date of Pope Francis: Why Dec 17 Still Matters for the Church
- Nicki Minaj: This was a massive troll. In 2018, Nicki joked on Instagram that they were dating. Em played along at a concert, asking the crowd if they wanted him to date Nicki. They never did. It was just two GOATs having fun with the blogs.
- Mariah Carey: This is the one that won't die. Mariah denies anything ever happened beyond some phone calls. Em... well, he released "The Warning." It’s safe to say that bridge didn't just burn; it was nuked.
- Brittany Murphy: They definitely had a thing during the 8 Mile days. He’s spoken fondly of her since her passing, but it was a short-lived chapter of his life.
What’s Next for Marshall?
If the reports about Katrina Malota are true, don't expect a red carpet debut at the Grammys. That’s just not his style. He’s more likely to be spotted at a Michigan grocery store or a quiet dinner in Birmingham.
He’s protective. He’s private. And honestly? He’s earned it.
The real insight here is that Eminem has stopped looking for the "next big thing" and looked at who was already standing next to him. If you're following his journey, watch his lyrics in any upcoming 2026 releases. He always drops clues in the booths before he says it to a reporter.
Your Next Steps:
Keep an eye on Katrina Malota’s professional social media and the Just a Little Shady podcast hosted by Hailie Jade. Hailie is often the most reliable source for what's actually going on in her dad's life without the tabloid filter. If there’s a major update, that’s where the breadcrumbs will be.