Adele's fiancé Rich Paul reveals the surprising start of their romance
The Klutch Sports founder shared rare details about the early days of his relationship with Adele
Rich Paul is offering a rare glimpse into the early days of his relationship with fiancée Adele, revealing that their romance developed naturally after years of moving in the same social circles.
The sports agent and founder of Klutch Sports Group opened up about how his relationship with the Grammy-winning singer began during an appearance on Craig Melvin’s Glass Half Full podcast on June 9.
Paul, 45, explained that he had known Adele, 38, for some time before the pair started dating in 2021.
However, he stressed that their connection was initially nothing more than a friendly acquaintance.
“I had known her for some time,” Paul said. “Just when you're in these circles, you're in these circles.”
The veteran sports executive noted that he never approached people within his social network with romantic intentions, saying he preferred to respect boundaries rather than make others uncomfortable.
“I never tried to get fresh with people that's in comfortable circles because they always have to deal with that,” he explained. “That was never my thing.”
According to Paul, the relationship evolved unexpectedly and without any grand plan.
“It was really something that happened very organically,” he said.
The couple, who became one of entertainment's most talked-about pairings after going public with their relationship in 2021, largely keep their private life out of the spotlight.
Adele later confirmed their engagement in August 2024 after years of speculation about their future together.
During the podcast, Paul also admitted that while he was aware of Adele's chart-topping success, he was not deeply familiar with her music before their romance blossomed.
“I heard the monster hits,” he said, adding that he only became more familiar with her catalog over time.
Paul recalled that he and Adele frequently crossed paths at events and gatherings, gradually building a friendship through casual conversations and shared laughter.
“We just used to always see each other, laugh and joke,” he said. “It was just cordial, really.”
The sports agent then joked that their friendship remained strictly platonic “until it became not so cordial,” suggesting their bond eventually developed into something much deeper.
