Star Lupita reveals heartbreak in sudden break-up with boyfriend

Lupita Nyong'o and Selema Masekela. [Lupita Nyong'o/Instagram]

Award-winning Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong'o on Thursday announced her split from boyfriend Selema Masekela, citing deception.

Through a lengthy post on Instagram, Lupita said she was publicly dissociating herself from Masekela as she could no longer trust him.

"There are much more important things going on in the world right now, and my thoughts are with those who are deeply suffering. At this moment, it is necessary for me to share a personal truth and publicly dissociate myself from someone I can no longer trust," read her post.

The actress went ahead to shed light on the pain the split has caused her and was hopeful that the lessons she has learnt will be useful to others undergoing a similar predicament.

"I find myself in a season of heartbreak because of a love suddenly and devastatingly extinguished by deception. I am tempted to run into the shadows and hide, only to return to the light when I have regained my strength enough for me to say, "Whatever, my life is better this way."

"But I am reminded that the magnitude of the pain I am feeling is equal to the measure of my capacity for love. And so, I am choosing to face the pain, cultivating the courage to meet my life exactly as it is, and trusting that this too shall pass. The promise, they say, is that a tender heart is what gives birth to fearlessness. I hope it's true..." she wrote.

Lupita said in her post that she hoped "knowledge of my experience might be useful to someone else out there experiencing the grip of heartbreak who is poised to try and escape from the pain and miss out on the wisdom that comes from it. #Breakup Let's face our pain so we don't spread it."

She has since deleted all photos of Masekela from her page.

Lupita's fans and some of her celebrity friends have posted thousands of comments in support of the star, who has built a large fanbase over the years with her captivating performances in Hollywood hits such as Us and Black Panther.

"We lift you up with love and sisterhood. Your miracles are all around you. Let us count them in confidence and faith," said Oscar-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay.

Many fans have also hailed Lupita for her "bravery" and willingness to openly share a private and sensitive issue with the world.

In late August, Lupita celebrated Masekela, who had just turned 52, narrating how he lights up her days and went ahead to share snippets of their moments in a video montage.

"And THEN... the Universe saw it fit to bring this Sunshine Human into my orbit, and this day marks his introduction to life.

"Every day is full of #goodenergy and reasons to dance with @selema as my favourite playmate. Happy Birthday, mi amor!" she wrote.

Masekela swiftly responded by saying he is the luckiest man alive, accompanying his comment with heart emojis. "...sneaky, mi amor. luckiest man alive. My heart is smiling wide," he wrote.

Lupita first introduced Masekela to the world through an Instagram video in December 2022.

In the video, set to the song The King's Affirmation, the couple was snapping along while changing into various outfits, from swimwear to formal attire.

"We just click!" wrote Lupita. Masekela also put up a post describing her as his 'whole and actual love." Masekela is yet to speak on the break-up.

[Additional reporting by BBC]