The internet has a very long memory, especially when it comes to the "Sexiest Man Alive" and a mysterious video from nearly a decade ago. If you were on Twitter—now X—back in late 2017, you probably remember the absolute firestorm that erupted over Ashlyn Castro and Michael B. Jordan. It wasn't just a gossip story; it became a massive cultural debate about preference, representation, and the private lives of Black A-listers.
But honestly? Most of the "facts" people think they know about this pair are kind of a mess.
People love a good narrative, but the reality of what went down between the Creed star and the Los Angeles-based influencer is a lot more low-key than the headlines suggested. Or at least, it was until the internet decided to make it its business.
The Video That Sparked a Million Tweets
Let's take it back to New Year’s Eve 2017. Michael B. Jordan was on the verge of becoming a global icon with the upcoming release of Black Panther. He was the internet's boyfriend. Then, a few videos surfaced. They weren't high-def or official; they were blurry, "blink-and-you’ll-miss-it" clips of Jordan and a woman, later identified as Ashlyn Castro, hanging out and appearing quite cozy.
One specific video showed them dancing. Another showed them together at a house party.
Social media didn't just notice; it imploded.
The backlash was swift and, in many ways, unfair. A segment of fans expressed disappointment that Jordan appeared to be dating outside his race, leading to the infamous "cancel" threats that ultimately didn't stick (because, let's be real, Black Panther was still a massive hit). While the noise was loud, neither Michael nor Ashlyn ever actually sat down and said, "Yes, we are a couple."
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Who Is Ashlyn Castro, Anyway?
Before she was "the girl in the Michael B. Jordan video," Ashlyn Castro was already building a name for herself as a model and influencer. Born on December 17, 1997, in Long Beach, California, she’s a West Coast girl through and through.
She’s got that "it" factor that brands love—striking looks, a massive TikTok following, and a social circle that consistently overlaps with the biggest names in sports and entertainment. If you look at her history, she hasn't just been linked to Michael B. Jordan. Her name has popped up alongside NBA stars like LaMelo Ball and Terance Mann.
Actually, the Terance Mann connection is one of the few that was truly "confirmed" in the traditional sense. The LA Clippers guard even stepped up recently to defend her against rumors. That’s the thing about Ashlyn—she tends to keep her mouth shut while the world talks for her.
Did They Actually Date or Was It Just a Fling?
This is where it gets tricky. In the world of celebrity PR, if it isn't "Instagram Official," did it even happen?
Michael B. Jordan has a history of being extremely private. Outside of his high-profile relationship with Lori Harvey—which lasted about a year and a half between 2020 and 2022—he rarely gives the paparazzi anything to work with.
With Ashlyn Castro, it seemed more like a "right person, wrong time" situation, or perhaps just a brief connection that the internet inflated. They were spotted together again in 2018, reportedly partying on the French Riviera. But by the time Jordan was doing press for Creed II, the Ashlyn rumors had largely fizzled out.
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The 2026 Perspective: Where Are They Now?
Fast forward to today. It’s 2026, and the landscape of their lives has shifted significantly.
Michael B. Jordan is more focused on his directorial career and his stake in the English football club AFC Bournemouth. He’s been linked to various models and actresses over the last year—most recently rumors involving Taylor Russell—but he remains one of Hollywood's most eligible bachelors. He’s gone on record saying his longest relationship ever lasted just over a year. That alone tells you that whatever he had with Ashlyn likely wasn't the "forever" kind of love fans were speculating about.
Ashlyn, on the other hand, has moved into a whole new level of fame.
As of early 2026, she’s been making major waves in Europe. Why? Because she’s reportedly in a serious relationship with Real Madrid sensation Jude Bellingham. Unlike the vague rumors of the past, this one has some real legs. She’s been spotted in the VIP boxes at the Santiago Bernabéu, hanging out with Bellingham’s mother, Denise. That’s usually the sign that things are more than just a casual dinner date.
The Problem With the "List"
In 2025, Ashlyn actually broke her silence on her dating history. She posted a vulnerable TikTok addressing a "list" that had been circulating online, which claimed she had dated everyone from Neymar to Lewis Hamilton.
She was pretty blunt about it. She mentioned that people have "made up" things about her and attacked her character based on nothing but lies. While she didn't name-drop Michael B. Jordan specifically in that vent session, she made it clear that her actual dating history is much shorter than the internet wants to believe.
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Basically, the "Ashlyn Castro Michael B. Jordan" saga is a textbook case of how a few seconds of footage can create a narrative that follows a woman for a decade.
Why This Still Matters for SEO and Fans
People still search for these two because it represents a specific moment in pop culture. It was the moment we realized Michael B. Jordan wasn't going to live his life based on the expectations of "Black Twitter." It was also the moment Ashlyn Castro became a permanent fixture in the celebrity gossip cycle.
If you’re looking for a definitive "breakup story," you won't find one. There was no official split because there was never an official start. They were two attractive people in the same room in St. Tropez and Los Angeles who decided to hang out.
What You Can Learn From This
- Don't believe every viral clip: 15 seconds of dancing doesn't equal a marriage proposal.
- Privacy is a choice: Both stars managed to move on without ever giving the tabloids a "tell-all" interview.
- Careers outlast rumors: Jordan’s career only went up after the 2017 backlash, proving that talent usually trumps "scandal."
If you’re following this story to see if they’ll ever reconnect, don’t hold your breath. With Ashlyn seemingly settled in Madrid and Michael busy building a cinematic empire, that 2017 New Year’s Eve party is officially ancient history.
To stay updated on the most accurate celebrity timelines, always cross-reference social media "leaks" with official statements or long-term behavioral patterns. In this case, the lack of follow-up over the last eight years is the loudest answer we have. For more on the current movements of these stars, you can check out recent profiles on Jude Bellingham’s rise in La Liga or Michael B. Jordan’s upcoming production slate for 2026.