Australian rapper The Kid Laroi, aged 22, displayed some awkward public affection with his new girlfriend, Sophie HM, during a breakfast date in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The couple, who first debuted their romance in January, were spotted heading to a local restaurant when Laroi, whose real name is Charlton Kenneth Jeffrey Howard, suddenly pulled Sophie close and planted a kiss on her cheek.
An Awkward Moment of Affection
The amorous gesture, while well-intentioned, seemed to catch Sophie by surprise, making the smooch appear rather clumsy and uncomfortable. This incident highlights the sometimes-awkward nature of early relationship dynamics, even for celebrities in the public eye.
Casual Style Choices
Laroi dressed down for the casual outing, wearing a navy hoodie and blue trousers, paired with black sneakers and white crew socks. The Thousand Miles hitmaker also showcased a newly-bleached buzzcut, adding a fresh edge to his look. Meanwhile, Instagram model Sophie sported a red T-shirt bunched at the waist, blue cargo pants, sunglasses, and flip-flops, embracing a relaxed, summery vibe.
Public Debut at the Australian Open
The pair first made their public debut at the Australian Open in January, sitting side-by-side in the audience as they watched Carlos Alcaraz on centre court at Melbourne Park. They appeared delighted in each other's company, with their eyes glued to the tennis action, though Laroi was also spotted holding her hand at one point, indicating their growing closeness.
Background on Laroi's Previous Relationship
This sighting comes after Laroi ended his relationship with pop star Tate McRae in July 2025, following a year of dating. He appeared to confirm their split by stating they were 'on good terms,' after fans accused his team of paying for 'slander tweets' against her. In December, McRae told Rolling Stone that she felt 'overwhelmed' by the scrutiny, saying, 'It was really scary and overwhelming, I would never talk that way, even about my friends' lives.'
She added, 'I didn't realise how much it would affect me, the public knowing my private life – because no one knows the full story of anything, ever. I also hate people painting a situation that's worse than it is.' McRae emphasised that both artists use songwriting as a form of expression, noting, 'That's our art, that's our job. And once it's out there, it's not mine anymore.'
