Mindy Kaling Playfully Addresses Speculations About Her Relationship with B.J. Novak

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Mindy Kaling. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

Mindy Kaling recently addressed rumors about her relationship with BJ Novak. She responded to a post by DeuxMoi on Instagram on Friday, March 22. The post included an audio clip from the podcast "Deux/U," where a source claimed that Kaling and Novak had a falling out. The source said Kaling started some kind of separation, and Novak agreed they needed "some distance."

Kaling jokingly expressed her dislike for someone in a social media post, seemingly poking fun at rumors of a rift between her and her best friend.

As of August 2023, Novak and Kaling were still engaging with each other on social media. Kaling sent birthday wishes to Novak on Instagram, and he replied, "No party beats the fun of the car ride back home with you."

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Novak and Kaling played coworkers and lovers on The Office from 2005 to 2013. They portrayed Ryan Howard and Kelly Kapoor on the show. During their time together, they dated for a few years before breaking up in 2007. Despite this, they have remained close, sparking speculation from fans about the nature of their relationship.

Kaling has been open about her bond with Novak, describing it as "weird as hell" in 2015. The creator of The Mindy Project stated, "He is not my boyfriend, but he is not my best friend either." She explained to InStyle, "Our relationship can be seen as a 'romantically charged camaraderie with loud arguments,' but I doubt Facebook would approve this as a new relationship status."

Even Novak has mentioned that new romantic partners have often been “skeptical” of his relationship with the Sex Lives of College Girls creator.

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Mindy Kaling and BJ Novak have a close friendship that often raises questions from others. Novak shared in an interview with Entertainment Weekly in January 2013 that when either of them dates someone else, there is a period where the new person is skeptical of their friendship. People often wonder if they are actually a couple or if there is potential for them to become one. It's a common scenario where a platonic best friendship can seem a bit strange once romantic relationships come into play.

Novak is the godfather to Kaling’s two children, Katherine, 5, and Spencer, 2. In 2022, Kaling addressed rumors about Novak being the father of her kids, clarifying, “I’m the only parent my kids have,” in an interview with Marie Claire.

Kaling shared that Novak has a close bond with both her children as their godparent. She expressed that the speculation surrounding their relationship has not impacted her happiness, her children, or Novak himself. Kaling noted, “If that’s what is going to be interesting to people, I’ll take it.”

Kaling shared with We in December 2019 that Novak regularly visits Katherine, coming over at least once or twice a week just to hang out. She mentioned that when he visits, she can take a shower or go work out, as he helps out. She described him as a great friend.

Editor's P/S:

Mindy Kaling and BJ Novak's unique bond has captivated fans for years. Their portrayal of Kelly and Ryan in The Office cemented their on-screen chemistry, fueling speculation about their real-life relationship. While they've consistently maintained that they are best friends, their connection has often confounded outsiders. Despite acknowledging a "romantically charged camaraderie," Kaling insists that their bond transcends traditional relationship labels.

Their enduring friendship is further exemplified by Novak's role as godfather to Kaling's children. She has unequivocally dismissed rumors of him being their father, emphasizing that she is their sole parent. Kaling embraces the public curiosity surrounding their relationship, recognizing that it's simply a byproduct of their undeniable closeness. Ultimately, their friendship is a testament to