Is Jonathan Cheban Gay? Why the Rumors About Foodgod Just Won't Die

Is Jonathan Cheban Gay? Why the Rumors About Foodgod Just Won't Die

Let’s be real for a second. If you’ve spent any amount of time watching Keeping Up With The Kardashians or scrolling through "Foodgod" Instagram stories, you’ve probably asked the question: is jonathan cheban gay? It’s the elephant in the room that has followed him for over a decade, right alongside his obsession with gold-leaf burgers and truffle fries.

People have been guessing about Jonathan’s private life since the mid-2000s. Honestly, it’s kinda become a hobby for the internet.

The guy has a very specific vibe. He’s Kim Kardashian’s permanent plus-one, he’s deeply into fashion, he’s got a flamboyant persona, and he’s often seen in the company of high-profile women without ever seeming to... you know, date them. At least not in the way we expect a Hollywood bachelor to.

But here’s the thing: Cheban has addressed this. Multiple times. And the answers usually leave people even more confused than when they started.

The Infamous Kris Humphries Confrontation

Remember the early days of Kim and Kris Humphries? It feels like a lifetime ago. Back in 2011, during an episode of Kourtney and Kim Take New York, things got incredibly awkward. Kris basically cornered Jonathan and asked him point-blank about his sexuality.

It wasn't subtle. Kris was relentless, even going as far as to ask Jonathan's date if she thought he was gay.

"No, you’re just ignorant," Jonathan told Kris during the episode. "You know, it’s not a big deal to me, but other people could be offended by you."

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That moment was huge for reality TV. It sparked a massive conversation about boundaries and how people perceive "best friend" dynamics. Jonathan stood his ground. He didn't come out; he actually doubled down on the fact that he was straight, even mentioning he had a date with a woman that night.

But the internet didn't buy it. Some fans thought it was a staged storyline, while others felt Kris was just voicing what everyone else was thinking. Even today, you can find Reddit threads with thousands of comments dissecting that one interaction.

Who Has He Actually Dated?

If we're looking at the facts, Jonathan's dating history is pretty sparse for someone so famous. His most public relationship was with a stylist named Anat Popovsky. They met while filming Kourtney and Kim Take Miami back in 2012.

It seemed real enough. They were photographed together at events, and he even moved to Miami for a bit to be closer to her. They eventually split in 2014, and since then? Crickets.

Well, not totally. He appeared on the UK show Celebs Go Dating and Millionaire Matchmaker. On those shows, he was looking for women. Specifically, he’s said his type is "light-skinned with a big ass"—which, let’s be honest, sounds a lot like he’s describing his best friend, Kim.

Why the Rumors Persist in 2026

You'd think after years of him saying "I'm straight," the conversation would move on. It hasn't.

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Part of it is the "Gay Best Friend" trope. Society has this annoying habit of pigeonholing men who are close to powerful women. Because Jonathan is Kim’s confidant, shopping partner, and emotional support human, people apply a stereotype to him.

There's also his 2026 persona. As "Foodgod," he’s leaned into a very curated, almost untouchable lifestyle. He travels constantly. He’s always at a five-star restaurant. But he’s rarely—if ever—seen with a partner.

Some people on social media have speculated that he might be asexual. Others think he's just incredibly private. In a 2025 interview with the Daily Mail, he mentioned that the secret to his 15-year friendship with Kim is that he doesn't get involved in "guy stuff" or "money stuff." He keeps his lanes separate.

The "Beard" Theories

I've seen some pretty wild theories on TikTok and Reddit. Some users claim he brings "dates" to events just to maintain an image. There was a rumor a while back involving a plastic surgeon, but it was quickly debunked because the guy was married with kids.

Most of this is just noise. Without a "smoking gun" or a statement from the man himself, it’s all just guesswork.

The Reality of Being Kim Kardashian’s BFF

Being in the Kardashian orbit means your entire life is a storyline. If Jonathan were gay and wanted to be out, he’s in the perfect circle for it. The Kardashians have always been vocally supportive of the LGBTQ+ community.

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So, if he’s saying he’s straight, why don’t we believe him?

Maybe it’s because he doesn’t fit the traditional "alpha male" mold that many people still expect from straight men in the public eye. He’s theatrical. He’s catty. He loves the finer things.

But honestly? That doesn't make someone gay. It just makes them Jonathan Cheban.


What We Actually Know for Sure

If you’re looking for a definitive "yes" or "no" on is jonathan cheban gay, here is the breakdown of the actual evidence:

  • Official Stance: He has consistently identified as straight in interviews and on reality TV.
  • Public Relationships: His only confirmed long-term girlfriend was Anat Popovsky (2012–2014).
  • On-Screen Dating: He has participated in multiple dating shows (Celebs Go Dating, Millionaire Matchmaker) seeking women.
  • Current Status: As of early 2026, he appears to be single, or at least he isn't sharing his partner with the world.

What Should You Take Away From This?

At the end of the day, someone’s sexuality is their own business. But in the world of celebrity gossip, that’s never enough to stop the cameras from rolling.

If you want to stay updated on what Foodgod is actually doing—besides eating $1,000 steaks—your best bet is to keep an eye on his verified socials. He’s more likely to post a photo of a gold-plated dessert than a wedding ring anytime soon.

Stop looking for a "coming out" post and start looking at his track record: he’s a guy who loves his fame, his food, and his very famous best friend. Everything else is just speculation for the comments section.

Next Steps for You:
If you're curious about the rest of the Kardashian inner circle, check out the recent updates on Malika Haqq's business ventures or the latest shifts in the Kardashian-Jenner friendship hierarchy. You can also follow the "Foodgod" brand's expansion into international markets to see how he's distancing himself from the "BFF" label.