Diplo denies living with 19-year-old influencer Quenlin Blackwell: ‘Nothing but friendship’

Fans sought answers after the teenage social media star suggested she was living with the 41-year-old music producer

Annabel Nugent
Monday 26 October 2020 09:00 GMT
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(Rex Features)

Diplo has responded to criticism from fans after 19-year-old influencer Quenlin Blackwell said that she was living with him in Los Angeles.

The TikTok star told her fans in a video: “I live with Diplo right now, and he fully supports my endeavours.” The announcement prompted social media users to speculate on the nature of her relationship with the 41-year-old music producer.

In a tweet shared with his 2.5 million followers, Diplo addressed the rumours, writing: “OK so I rent one of my properties to @quenblackwell. And yes I use the studio that is in that building.

“Her social media is sarcastic and chaotic and I can see you can get a twisted idea but there is nothing but friendship between us.”

The Major Lazer star (real name Thomas Wesley) continued: “As a landlord I don’t really consider age or race as a qualification. U just gotta pay security deposit. And don’t poke holes in the walls or ruin my carpet.”

Blackwell is believed to currently be in a relationship after posting photos with her boyfriend Parker in recent months.

However, some fans still questioned Diplo about the arrangement. One user wrote: “What do you have in common with a 19-year-old that would warrant a friendship, quick?”

The producer replied: “We made music together.”

Blackwell has also denied the rumours in her own Twitter post, which read: “I’m an adult. I’m not being groomed. Platonic relationships exist. I’ve been living here for over a year…”

“I’d rather break both my legs and be forced to walk than pursue Diplo romantically and he’d rather choke,” she said. “Diplo has given me opportunity and the security to create.”

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She added: “Diplo and his team have saved me numerous times from the weirdos in LA. My parents trust him. I trust him.”

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