If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you’ve probably seen the name Nicole Murphy popping up alongside a very familiar last name: Jordan. Honestly, it's wild how the rumor mill works. One minute you're just enjoying a golf tournament in Miami, and the next, the entire internet has decided you’re in a committed relationship with Michael Jordan’s son.
So, what is the actual deal? Who is Nicole Murphy dating?
The short answer is: things are complicated, but she’s definitely been sparking some major conversation. After a incredibly difficult year in 2024, the 58-year-old fitness entrepreneur and former model was spotted looking very "cozy" with 35-year-old Marcus Jordan. Yeah, that Marcus Jordan—the one who just went through a very public, very messy breakup with Real Housewives of Miami star Larsa Pippen.
But before we dive into the "are they or aren't they" of it all, we have to talk about why this particular chapter of Nicole's life feels so heavy.
The Heartbreak Before the Headlines
To understand where Nicole is at today, you have to look back at the beginning of 2024. For about a year, she had been in a really beautiful, relatively private relationship with actor Warren Braithwaite. They went public in July 2023, and they looked genuinely happy. He was by her side at her son Myles’ wedding, and they seemed like a solid match.
Then, tragedy hit. In March 2024, Warren passed away after a battle with cancer.
Nicole was devastated. She posted some really raw tributes on Instagram, calling him "her world" and "her everything." When someone goes through a loss like that, the last thing they’re usually thinking about is "who to date next." She spent most of late 2024 focusing on her fitness brand, Y-Foy, her five kids, and her grandkids.
The Miami Sighting: Nicole Murphy and Marcus Jordan
Fast forward to December 2024 and early 2025. The setting? DJ Khaled’s "We the Best" Foundation Golf Classic in Miami.
This is where the "who is Nicole Murphy dating" searches started spiking again. Nicole and Marcus Jordan weren't just at the same event; they were hanging out. Hard.
According to reports from People and several onlookers who caught them on camera, the pair moved from the golf course to the famous Miami nightclub E11EVEN. They were spotted dancing, whispering in a booth, and looking very much like a couple.
Why the Internet Lost Its Mind
- The Age Gap: There’s a 23-year difference between them. Nicole is 58 (and looks incredible, let’s be real), while Marcus is 35.
- The Jordan Connection: This isn't Nicole's first time being linked to the Jordan family. Way back in 2007, shortly after her divorce from Eddie Murphy, she was briefly linked to Michael Jordan himself.
- The Larsa Factor: Marcus Jordan’s ex, Larsa Pippen, is 50. It seems Marcus definitely has a "type"—successful, stunning, older women.
Neither Nicole nor Marcus has put a "boyfriend/girlfriend" label on this yet. In the world of high-profile celebs, a night out in Miami doesn't always mean a trip down the aisle. It could just be two people who have a lot in common—both are entrepreneurs, both live in that high-octane social circle—enjoying each other's company after some tough breakups and losses.
A Legacy of High-Profile Romances
Nicole Murphy isn't new to the spotlight. Most people know her as the woman who was married to Eddie Murphy for 12 years (1993–2006). They have five children together, and by all accounts, they’ve mastered the art of co-parenting. She’s even said they are "great friends" now, which is kinda rare in Hollywood.
After Eddie, she had a very long engagement to NFL legend and TV host Michael Strahan. They were together for about seven years before calling it quits in 2014. That breakup was a bit messy, with rumors of "conflicting schedules" (the classic celeb excuse) and some whispers of infidelity that were never fully proven.
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And then there was the 2019 "scandal." You might remember the photos of her kissing director Antoine Fuqua in Italy. The problem? He was very much married to actress Lela Rochon at the time. Nicole eventually apologized, calling it a "mistake" and saying she was under the impression he was divorced. It was a tough look, and it’s something people still bring up whenever she’s seen with a new man.
What's Really Going On Right Now?
If you look at Nicole’s current vibe, she seems more focused on her peace than a permanent partner. On the Tamron Hall Show recently, she talked about how losing Warren changed her perspective. She’s not letting "numbers" or age define her.
As of early 2026, Nicole Murphy appears to be single but dating.
She hasn't confirmed a serious relationship with Marcus Jordan, and she hasn't posted any "official" couple photos. She’s living that "soft launch" life—appearing in the background of stories, attending the same parties, but keeping the intimate details for herself. Honestly, after the year she had in 2024, who can blame her?
Is Marcus Jordan "The One"?
Probably not. Marcus just got out of a multi-year, very intense relationship with Larsa Pippen that involved reality TV cameras and family drama. Nicole has historically leaned toward more established men (Strahan, Braithwaite). While Marcus is successful in his own right with his store Trophy Room, the age gap and the "rebound" energy make this feel more like a fun Miami fling than a long-term romance.
How to Keep Up Without the Noise
If you want the real scoop on who Nicole is dating, don't just trust the tabloids. Here’s how to actually track what’s true:
- Check the "Grid": Nicole is active on Instagram (@nikimurphy). She usually posts her real "loves"—her kids and her workouts—on her main feed. If a man makes it to the permanent grid, he’s serious.
- Watch the "Stories": This is where the Marcus Jordan sightings happened. It’s the land of "casual."
- The Event Test: In the celebrity world, the "real" status happens when they walk a red carpet together. Until Nicole takes a man to a movie premiere or a gala as her "plus one," it’s likely just casual.
Nicole is a grandmother now (she’s obsessed with her granddaughter Evie!), a business owner, and a woman who has survived a lot of public scrutiny. She’s in her "unbothered" era. Whether she’s dating a Jordan or just enjoying the Miami sun, she’s clearly doing it on her own terms.
Actionable Insights for Following Celeb News:
To get the most accurate picture of celebrity dating lives, always cross-reference "spotted" reports from sites like The Shade Room with official statements from People or Entertainment Tonight. Tabloids often mistake a friendly dinner for a romance, but the truth usually lies in the consistency of their public appearances over three to six months. If Nicole is still seen with Marcus by mid-2026, then we’re talking about a real relationship.