“Pitch Perfect” Star Anna Camp Addresses Critics of Age-Gap Relationship
Actress Anna Camp, known for her roles in hits like Pitch Perfect and You, is speaking out against public scrutiny regarding her relationship with stylist Jade Whipkey. The couple, who recently made their red carpet debut, has faced criticism over their 18-year age difference.
Camp, 42, and Whipkey, 24, stepped out together at the Los Angeles premiere of Camp’s new film, Bride Hard. Following coverage by LGBTQ+ news outlet Pink News on Instagram, comments surfaced questioning the age gap between the two women. Camp directly addressed the backlash, offering a candid defense of her relationship.
Camp’s Direct Response to Criticism
Responding in the comments section of the Pink News post, Camp didn’t hold back. She challenged the notion that age determines compatibility or maturity, stating, “Thought I’d jump on here since I follow Pink News and just say I’ve dated men exactly my age and Jade is FAR more mature than any of them.”
She emphasized the profound connection she shares with Whipkey, highlighting their deep bond: “We have more in common than anyone else I’ve ever dated and can literally talk about anything and everything.”
While acknowledging everyone is “entitled to their opinion,” Camp concluded her message on a positive note, wishing everyone well, particularly during Pride month.
Beyond Age: Maturity, Connection, and Identity
Camp’s defense goes beyond simply stating her happiness; it underscores her perspective on what truly matters in a relationship: maturity and shared interests. By contrasting her experience with Whipkey to past relationships with partners her own age, she asserts that age isn’t the sole, or even primary, indicator of a fulfilling connection.
The actress has also been open about her personal journey. The relationship with Whipkey follows Camp’s 2019 divorce from Pitch Perfect co-star Skylar Astin and her previous marriage to actor Michael Mosley. She has described her post-divorce period as both “scary and liberating,” leading to a greater sense of self.
The relationship with Whipkey became more public earlier this year. In a February TikTok video, Camp openly addressed her dating life, stating, “Well, I don’t expect anything anymore because I like women, and it’s great.” This marked a significant public acknowledgment of her identity and current relationship.
Camp has also used her platform to challenge broader societal expectations. In the same TikTok interview, she dismissed the traditional pressure to be married with children by a certain age, calling it a “conspiracy” influenced by growing up in the South.
Navigating Public Opinion: Criticism and Support
The reaction to Camp and Whipkey’s relationship reflects ongoing public debates around age-gap dating, particularly when the woman is older or in a same-sex relationship. Critics on social media voiced concerns about potential power imbalances and questioned what a 42-year-old and a 24-year-old could have in common, with some comments calling it “not ok.”
However, the couple has also received significant support. Many fans defended the relationship, emphasizing that Whipkey, at 24, is a consenting adult capable of making her own choices. Some pointed out that age gaps are common in queer relationships and may not necessarily carry the same perceived power dynamics as in heterosexual pairings. The focus for supporters remained on the couple’s apparent happiness and compatibility.
Even Whipkey herself has publicly expressed her affection and support for Camp, commenting on an Instagram post about the Bride Hard premiere, “You crushed it honey, congrats. I’m so lucky to be by your side.”
Celebrities on Age Gaps: A Common Conversation
Anna Camp isn’t the only public figure to navigate discussions around age gaps in relationships. Many other celebrities have addressed similar scrutiny, often emphasizing love, respect, and shared connection over numerical differences.
For instance, Sarah Paulson and Holland Taylor (32 years apart) largely choose to ignore external judgment. Priyanka Chopra has highlighted a perceived double standard, noting that criticism is more common when the woman is older than her partner compared to the reverse. Sam Taylor-Johnson (23 years older than Aaron Taylor-Johnson) points to the longevity and strength of their marriage as evidence that age is less significant than compatibility. These examples, among others, illustrate that public figures often prioritize the substance of their relationships over external opinions based purely on age difference.
Camp’s decision to directly address the comments underscores her confidence in her relationship with Jade Whipkey, prioritizing their connection and shared life over public judgment.
References
- <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/anna-camp-age-gap-younger-girlfriendn685965eae4b0fc41bba2a7ec”>www.huffpost.com
- www.themirror.com
- <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/06/23/entertainment/anna-camp-defends-18-year-age-gap-with-girlfriend-jade-whipkey/?utmcampaign=nypost&utmmedium=referral”>nypost.com
- www.eonline.com
- ca.style.yahoo.com
