Tracee Ellis Ross has never been one to shy away from speaking her truth—and her latest revelation on the “IMO Podcast” with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson is no exception.
The award-winning actress, producer, and entrepreneur candidly opened up about her dating life, specifically why she tends to date younger men. During a heartfelt and honest exchange, Ross explained that her choices come down to something far deeper than attraction—they’re rooted in a firm boundary she refuses to cross again.
“I mean, we’ve talked about this—often I date younger men,” Ross began, before recalling a dinner conversation with Michelle Obama and Barack Obama. “Across the table, your husband goes, ‘But why?’ And I said, ‘Well, maybe because I can.’”
Ross, 51, didn’t stop there.
She opened up about what repeatedly draws her to partners outside her age group and peeled back the layers with honesty and self-awareness.
“I had to ask myself that question,” she said. “Because I want a partner. And so often—it’s not just that I’m older—I’m also very embodied. I am a full, very whole person who knows myself, who is in charge of my life and who lives a very full, just robust life.”
The Black-ish star stated further that the disconnect she often feels with men her age has less to do with numbers and more to do with ingrained social conditioning.
“A lot of men my age are steeped in a toxic masculinity,” Ross continued. “They’ve been raised in a culture where there is a particular way that a relationship looks. Anything that starts to smell of that for me… I did enough of it where I was controlled and felt like I was a possession or a prize. I have no interest in it. And I will not do it again.”
Ross’ insight into modern relationships struck a chord with listeners who praised her for articulating a truth many women—especially Black women—have experienced in silence.
In a world where conversations around gender roles and relationship dynamics are evolving, Tracee Ellis Ross is using her voice and platform to champion authenticity and autonomy.
Her message is clear: every woman deserves to feel free, seen, and respected in love.
As she closed out the topic, her declaration lingered with power: “I will not do it again.”
Ross disclosed that for her, love and life choices aren’t about ticking boxes or fitting into outdated moulds—it’s about mutual respect, growth, and joy.
