Channing Tatum rang in 2026 with a moment that instantly sent the internet into a frenzy. The 45-year-old Magic Mike star was photographed sharing a steamy kiss on the beach in Costa Rica with his girlfriend, 26-year-old Australian model Inka Williams, and the PDA left little to the imagination. The couple didn’t stop there, either—they were also snapped recreating the iconic Dirty Dancing lift in the ocean, making their relationship impossible to ignore.
Dressed in dark swim trunks and a black cap, Tatum looked relaxed and confident, while Williams turned heads in a black bikini during their intimate seaside stroll. The photos, taken on January 3, came just weeks before the pair’s one-year anniversary and confirmed that their romance is still going strong as the new year begins.
As expected, reactions online were mixed. Some fans gushed over the chemistry and carefree vibe of the couple, while others zeroed in on their 19-year age gap. Social media quickly lit up with debates about power dynamics, life stages, and Hollywood’s long history of older male stars dating much younger women.
The relationship first sparked rumors in February 2025 after the two were spotted together at a pre-Oscars party. By April, they had gone Instagram official, and since then, they’ve made several public appearances together, including red carpet events and a London screening of Tatum’s film Roofman last fall.
While dating a major Hollywood star has dramatically raised her profile, Williams is far from an unknown. Born in Melbourne in 1999 to French and Australian parents, she was raised primarily in Bali. She began modeling as a baby and later signed with IMG Models, joining the same elite agency that represents Hailey Bieber and the Hadid sisters. Her résumé includes campaigns for Saint Laurent, Tag Heuer, H&M, and Swarovski, along with features in Elle Australia and Harper’s Bazaar Singapore. Vogue once dubbed her “the Gigi Hadid of Bali.”
Beyond modeling, Williams is also an entrepreneur. In 2019, she launched her own sustainable swimwear brand, She Is I, inspired by her mother’s designs from the 1990s. The label focuses on eco-conscious materials, including recycled ocean plastics, and donates a portion of its profits to charity. Williams has spoken openly about how growing up in Bali shaped her values and deep connection to the environment.
Still, the age gap remains a sticking point for critics. Online forums and comment sections have been brutal, with users questioning how much the pair could realistically have in common and pointing out that Tatum was already an adult when Williams was born. Others have also highlighted the timing of the romance, noting that Tatum ended his engagement to Zoë Kravitz in October 2024, just months after finalizing his divorce from Jenna Dewan.
Supporters, however, argue that Williams is accomplished in her own right and not a naïve newcomer. Even so, skeptics maintain that when a globally famous actor with decades of industry power dates a woman still building her career, the imbalance is hard to overlook. The sultry Costa Rica photos only intensified that conversation.
As for what’s next, Tatum has a packed year ahead. His film Josephine is set to premiere at Sundance later this month, and he’s preparing to reprise his role as Gambit in Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for release in December. With both his career and personal life under intense scrutiny, all eyes are on whether this high-profile romance can survive Hollywood’s relentless spotlight.
