BREAKING: Kim Kardashian Sparks Relationship Rumors with Fine Art Photographer Mert Alaş After a Cozy Lunch Date, Tells Fans, ‘We’re Just Friends Enjoying Each Other’s Company’

Kim Kardashian Sparks Romance Rumors with Mert Alaş After Cozy Lunch Date

Los Angeles, CA – Reality TV star and business mogul Kim Kardashian has once again set tongues wagging after being spotted enjoying an intimate lunch with renowned fine art photographer Mert Alaş on Saturday afternoon. The pair, seen dining at a chic LA hotspot, appeared to be in high spirits, laughing and snapping cozy pictures together, prompting fans and tabloids alike to speculate about a budding romance. However, Kim was quick to address the chatter, offering a statement to calm the frenzy.

Eyewitnesses reported that Kim, 44, and Alaş, 53, arrived together at the upscale restaurant, exuding a relaxed and playful vibe. Dressed in a sleek black ensemble, Kim complemented Alaş’s effortlessly cool artist aesthetic as they settled into a corner table. Sources say the duo spent over two hours chatting, sharing bites of their meal, and even taking a few selfies—gestures that didn’t go unnoticed by onlookers or the paparazzi stationed outside.

“They looked really comfortable with each other,” one diner told reporters. “There was a lot of smiling and leaning in close, like they were in their own little world. It definitely seemed flirty.” The cozy photos, which later surfaced online, only fueled the speculation further, showing Kim resting her hand on Alaş’s arm in one shot and the pair beaming at the camera in another.

Mert Alaş, a Turkish-born photographer known for his provocative and high-fashion work with stars like Madonna, Rihanna, and, notably, Kim herself, has collaborated with the SKIMS founder on multiple occasions in the past. Their professional history—marked by steamy editorial shoots and a shared creative synergy—has long hinted at a strong bond. But this latest outing has fans wondering if their relationship has evolved into something more personal.

Social media erupted with reactions shortly after the images hit the internet. “Kim and Mert would be such a power couple!” one fan tweeted, while another speculated, “This is giving date vibes—new man for Kim?” The rumors come on the heels of Kim’s relatively low-key romantic life following her high-profile split from comedian Pete Davidson in 2022 and her ongoing co-parenting dynamic with ex-husband Kanye West.

Not one to let rumors spiral unchecked, Kim addressed the buzz directly in a statement released through her team on Sunday. “Mert and I have been friends for years, and I love spending time with him,” she said. “We were just enjoying a fun lunch and catching up—it’s nothing serious, just two friends having a great time together. I’m flattered by the speculation, though!” Her words, delivered with her signature charm, aimed to put the romance rumors to rest while acknowledging the chemistry that sparked the chatter in the first place.

Despite her clarification, not everyone is convinced. Some fans point to Kim’s history of turning friendships into headline-making relationships, while others see the lunch as a casual outing between longtime collaborators. Alaş, for his part, has remained silent on the matter, letting his Instagram—filled with artistic shots and cryptic captions—speak for itself.

Whether a blossoming romance or simply a friendly catch-up, Kim Kardashian and Mert Alaş’s lunch date has undeniably captured the public’s imagination. For now, Kim seems content to keep things light, leaving the door open for more speculation as she continues to balance her empire, her family, and, perhaps, a little fun with a creative kindred spirit.

As one insider quipped, “With Kim, you never know what’s next—but she sure knows how to keep us guessing.”