Dakota Johnson's rumoured romance with Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) has sparked a fresh debate about why some women considered beautiful choose partners who do not fit traditional ideas of male beauty. The discussion took off online after the pair were spotted together in Los Angeles, with one social media user questioning why celebrities such as Johnson, Megan Fox, and Ariana Grande have been linked to men they considered less attractive.
Can someone explain to me why pretty women go for this type? Megan Fox, the Kardashians, Ariana Grande, etc. all pursue the ugliest, lankiest, grossly tattooed, barely literate man-children. WHY?
— Anisha Babbar (@AnishaB95757) November 14, 2026
I know celebs date for strategy not love, but with their position in the dating… https://t.co/q8fRLlGIvP
The post also raised a question about dating and social status: Do some women see dating a classically handsome man as less appealing? While Johnson and MGK have yet to confirm their relationship, their latest outings have given social media plenty to discuss.
Date Night Fuels Reactions
Johnson and MGK were photographed together on Wednesday, 11 November, during an evening out in Los Angeles. The pair reportedly had dinner with friends at the Tower Bar inside the Sunset Tower Hotel, where they appeared close and comfortable with each other. Their latest sighting added to weeks of dating rumours that began after they were seen together in New York in September.
An earlier report said the two had been spending time together privately for months. A source close to MGK also said they became closer after attending Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding in July 2026. However, neither Johnson nor the musician has publicly confirmed that they are officially a couple.
The discussion grew after an X post by @21metgala showed the pair during their Los Angeles outing on 12 November. Other users soon shared their thoughts about Johnson's reported choice of partner, with some questioning what she sees in the musician. One commenter even joked that the pair looked as though they had dressed for two completely different events.
Why Looks Aren't Everything
One social media user questioned why attractive women often date men who do not match the usual image of a handsome celebrity. The post named Johnson, Megan Fox, and Ariana Grande, while also asking why women with many dating options would not choose men like Chris Evans or Henry Cavill.
However, research on romantic attraction suggests that physical appearance is only one part of what people look for in a partner. A 2026 study published in Frontiers in Psychology examined physical attraction alongside kindness, ability, and compatibility when looking at partner choices. Its findings support the idea that people may value how well they connect with someone, rather than judging a partner by looks alone.
A separate review of 97 studies also found that physical attractiveness can affect romantic interest, but it is not the only factor involved. Qualities such as kindness, intelligence, shared interests, and a good connection can also shape how people feel about someone. This helps explain why an outsider's idea of an attractive partner may not match what another person wants in a relationship.
MGK's Past With Megan Fox
Johnson's situation has also drawn attention because MGK has a history with another famous actress. He was previously engaged to Fox, and the former couple share a daughter, although they separated in December 2024. Their past relationship has also kept MGK's love life in the public eye, making his reported connection with Johnson another talking point for fans.
Fox and MGK's relationship was often discussed because of their public displays of affection and unusual style. Their engagement ended after reports of a split in late 2024, although they have continued to share parenting responsibilities. This history has added another layer to the online discussion about the musician's dating life.
