Honestly, pop culture history moves so fast that seven months can feel like a lifetime. When the first blurry paparazzi shots of Jesse Rutherford and Billie Eilish holding hands at Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights hit the internet in October 2022, people lost their minds. It wasn't just that they were dating; it was the fact that the frontman of The Neighbourhood had known Billie since she was a literal child.
The internet has a long memory.
By the time they were seen kissing outside Lal Mirch, a vegan Indian spot in Studio City, the "age gap" discourse had already reached a fever pitch. Jesse was 31. Billie was 20. For some, it was just two musicians vibing. For others, it felt like a weird power dynamic that shouldn't have existed.
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The Timeline That Kept the Internet Talking
They didn’t exactly hide. In fact, they doubled down. Most people remember the infamous 2022 Halloween costume where Billie dressed as a baby and Jesse as an old man. It was a massive middle finger to the critics.
Basically, they were trolling everyone.
Then came the 2022 LACMA Art + Film Gala. They showed up wrapped in a giant Gucci blanket, essentially wearing pajamas on the red carpet. It was camp. It was cozy. It was also the first time they officially "debuted" as a couple to the high-fashion world. Billie later told Vanity Fair she was "really happy and excited" about the relationship, famously joking about how she "pulled" the person she thought was the hottest man alive.
But by May 2023, it was over.
A representative for Billie confirmed the split to Page Six, stating it was "amicable" and that they remained "good friends." No cheating. No drama. Just the end of a short-lived, high-intensity chapter.
Why the Age Gap Actually Mattered (And Why It Didn't)
The 11-year difference was the elephant in every room. While Billie's brother, Finneas, publicly defended her—saying she was a 21-year-old adult capable of making her own choices—the public wasn't so sure. Critics pointed to "Your Power," Billie’s song about older men taking advantage of younger women, and called her a hypocrite.
But here’s the thing: Billie isn't a "normal" 21-year-old. She has more life experience, money, and power than most 40-year-olds. Does that bridge the gap? Maybe. Or maybe it just makes the power dynamic even more complicated.
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Where Do They Stand in 2026?
It’s been a while since the "Besse" era ended. If you're looking for beef, you won't find it here. Billie has been incredibly vocal about her respect for Jesse even after the breakup. In an interview that surfaced around the release of HIT ME HARD AND SOFT, she called him "one of my favorite people in the world."
She even called him her "homie forever" on an Instagram story.
Since then, the spotlight has shifted. In June 2025, Billie was spotted in Italy with actor Nat Wolff, sparking a whole new wave of dating rumors. Jesse, meanwhile, has kept a lower profile, focusing on solo music and some experimental projects like Valley Girl.
The two seem to have mastered the rare Hollywood feat: breaking up without becoming enemies.
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What We Can Learn From the "Besse" Era
Looking back, the Jesse Rutherford and Billie Eilish relationship was a perfect storm of celebrity culture. It had the "indie darling" crossover, the controversial age gap, and the Gen Z "troll the haters" energy.
- Amicable splits are possible. In an industry where "diss tracks" are the standard, Billie and Jesse proved you can just... be friends.
- Public opinion doesn't always dictate private reality. They knew the world hated the age gap, and they leaned into it anyway.
- Boundaries change. Billie has since been much more open about her sexuality and her desire for privacy, perhaps a lesson learned from the intense scrutiny of her time with Jesse.
If you're still following their individual journeys, the best way to keep up is to track their musical releases rather than the tabloids. Billie’s recent work suggests she’s moved into a much more introspective, self-assured phase of her life. Jesse continues to be the enigmatic artist he’s always been.
Check out Billie's latest tour dates or Jesse's recent Soundcloud drops to see how their art has evolved since their time together. The romance is dead, but the influence on their music is definitely still there.