If you’ve been keeping tabs on Jesse Williams, you know the man's life is rarely quiet. One minute he's giving a legendary speech about civil rights, and the next, he's at the center of a "who is he with now?" whirlwind. It’s a lot. Honestly, trying to track the Grey’s Anatomy star’s dating life feels a bit like watching a high-stakes drama where the script changes every season.
Right now, the name everyone is whispering about is Alejandra Onieva.
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The New Chapter: Who is Alejandra Onieva?
In late 2025, things got very public, very fast. Jesse and Alejandra were spotted looking incredibly cozy in Italy. We aren't just talking about a casual "coworkers grabbing coffee" vibe. They were seen holding hands and showing plenty of PDA while promoting their Prime Video series, Hotel Costiera.
Alejandra is a Spanish actress you might recognize from the Netflix hit Alta Mar (High Seas). She’s talented, strikingly beautiful, and apparently has a thing for high-profile actors—she previously dated Sebastian Stan.
But their relationship hasn't been without its share of internet drama. When the news broke, social media did what it does best: it dug up old receipts. Some fans pointed toward past social media posts from Alejandra that were deemed racially insensitive years ago. It created a bit of a localized firestorm because Jesse has built so much of his public identity on being an advocate for racial justice. It’s a weird contradiction that fans are still debating in Reddit threads and comment sections today.
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What Happened to Ciarra Pardo?
For the longest time, the "jesse williams girlfriend" title belonged to Ciarra Pardo. She’s a powerhouse—an art director and the co-founder of N4XT Experiences. They were together for years. In fact, court documents from Jesse’s never-ending custody battle with his ex-wife, Aryn Drake-Lee, officially referred to Ciarra as his "longtime girlfriend" as recently as 2022 and 2024.
They seemed solid. They were seen running errands on New Year's Day in 2025, looking like a totally normal, low-key couple. But then, things just... shifted.
By the time Jesse headed to Italy for Hotel Costiera, Ciarra was out of the frame and Alejandra was in. There was never a formal "we broke up" press release—that’s not really Jesse’s style. He tends to let the paparazzi photos do the talking.
The Reality of Dating Jesse Williams
Being Jesse Williams' girlfriend sounds glamorous until you realize you’re also dating his legal baggage. It sounds harsh, but it's the truth.
Jesse has been locked in a courtroom saga with his ex-wife Aryn Drake-Lee since 2017. It’s one of the messiest divorces in Hollywood history. We’re talking:
- Battles over child support (which went from $40,000 a month to much lower).
- Fights over his Broadway schedule.
- Recent 2025 emergencies regarding their daughter Sadie’s medical care (braces and a dental cyst, specifically).
If you’re the woman in his life, you aren't just going to movie premieres. You're likely supporting him through emergency court filings and the emotional toll of a "gatekeeping" custody battle. It’s a lot for any new relationship to shoulder.
Why We Are So Obsessed With His Dating Life
Jesse occupies a unique space. He’s the "woke heartthrob." Because he speaks so eloquently about Black lives and systemic issues, fans feel a sense of ownership over his personal choices.
When he dates a Spanish actress like Alejandra, some people feel disappointed. When he was with Ciarra, people felt he was "on brand." It’s a strange pressure to live under. Basically, people aren't just looking at who he’s dating; they’re looking to see if his private life matches his public politics.
A Quick Look at the Timeline
- Aryn Drake-Lee: The 13-year relationship. The foundation. The mother of his kids.
- Minka Kelly: The "rebound" that caused a massive stir right after the split.
- Taylor Rooks: A brief but high-profile connection with the sports journalist.
- Ciarra Pardo: The long-term, stable partner who stayed by him for years of legal drama.
- Alejandra Onieva: The current flame sparked on an Italian film set.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think Jesse just "hops" from one person to the next. But if you look at the gaps, he actually stays in relationships for a significant amount of time. Ciarra Pardo was in his life for nearly half a decade.
The "girlfriend" role in his life isn't a revolving door; it’s more of a sanctuary. He’s a guy who seems to value a partner who can handle the "noise" of his public and legal life without adding to it.
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What You Can Take Away From This
If you're following this because you're a fan (or just a bit nosy, no judgment), the biggest takeaway is that Jesse Williams is currently leaning into his international career and his relationship with Alejandra Onieva.
Next Steps for You:
If you want to see the chemistry for yourself, check out Hotel Costiera on Prime Video. It’s where this current chapter started. Also, keep an eye on his legal updates; as of early 2026, he's still fighting for sole legal custody over his children's healthcare, a move that will likely define his personal life for the rest of the year.