Carmelo Anthony is dating Racquel Smith, the widow of former NFL star Will Smith. The pair sparked online buzz after Smith shared photos and videos of them together on Instagram from Saint-Tropez on Tuesday.
What happened?
The posts quickly drew attention across social media, with fans reacting to the images of them spending time together.
Racquel is the widow of the late Will Smith, the former New Orleans Saints All-Pro defensive end who was shot and killed in a road rage incident in 2016.
Who is Racquel Smith?
Racquel was also wounded during the attack but survived the deadly shooting. Anthony and Racquel appeared comfortable and affectionate as they posed together in one photo, with Carmelo seen wrapping his arm around Racquel's waist.
The pair had also celebrated Carmelo's 42nd birthday together last weekend, according to another photo Racquel shared on her Instagram Highlights.
What comes next?
Alongside the image, she posted a heartfelt message that read, "Happy Birthday to one of the kindest souls I have ever met...," followed by a red heart emoji. Carmelo, who now works as an NBA analyst for NBC, has not publicly been linked to anyone since his split from ex-wife La La Anthony.
La La filed for divorce in June 2021, citing irreconcilable differences after the two had been living separately for several years.
Carmelo and La La first met through a mutual friend when she was 22 and he was 19. Their relationship eventually led to marriage, and the couple tied the knot in 2010 after years together.
They are parents to 19-year-old son Kiyan, who now plays as a guard for the Syracuse Orange, following in his father's footsteps at Carmelo's alma mater.
Carmelo is also the father of a daughter, Genesis, whom he shares with former partner Mia Burks. Carmelo, who last played for the Lakers during the 2021 season, announced his retirement in 2023 after spending 19 seasons in the NBA.
In 2024, a jury unanimously convicted Cardell Hayes, the man who fatally shot Smith, of manslaughter in a retrial.