The Kid LAROI Shares Kiss with Sophie HM in NYC After Tate McRae Split

Australian rapper The Kid LAROI was seen kissing model Sophie HM on a street in New York City on Friday evening. This public moment comes several months after his breakup with singer Tate McRae over the summer. The couple walked close together, wrapped in heavy jackets and pants to fight the cold weather.

Background

The Kid LAROI, whose real name is Charlton Howard, rose to fame with hits like 'Stay' alongside Justin Bieber. Born in Sydney, he moved to Los Angeles as a teen to build his music career. His relationship with Tate McRae started drawing attention in early 2024. Both artists shared glimpses of their time together on social media, including trips and studio sessions. Fans picked up on their connection through song lyrics and online posts.

Tate McRae, a Canadian singer and dancer from Calgary, broke out with her viral track 'You Broke Me First' in 2020. She has since released albums like 'Think Later' that topped charts worldwide. The two musicians crossed paths in the music scene, leading to a romance that lasted about a year. Reports say they split quietly over the summer of 2025, with no big public statement at the time.

Signs of trouble surfaced later through their music. The Kid LAROI put out a song called 'A COLD PLAY,' which fans linked to relationship issues. Tate McRae responded with her own track, 'TIT FOR TAT,' where she addressed the end of things. In an interview, she spoke about moving on from the breakup. She described it as a tough time but one that helped her grow as an artist.

Since then, Tate has been spotted with Jack Hughes, a star forward for the New Jersey Devils hockey team. The pair have fueled dating talk after being seen together at events and games. Hughes, one of three brothers playing professional hockey, has a big following in the sports world. Their outings have kept Tate in the headlines even as she preps new music.

The Kid LAROI has stayed busy too. He toured last year and dropped singles that kept his name buzzing. Before Friday's sighting, rumors tied him to Manon, a member of the girl group KATSEYE. They were seen leaving a Video Music Awards after-party together in September 2025. KATSEYE won an award that night for their song 'Touch.' Manon quickly shut down the talk in a fan update.

"Also apparently I date everyone I walk next to. Get a job."

• Manon of KATSEYE

She added a job application link to her message, making it clear she was just friends with people at the event. This cleared up any link between her and The Kid LAROI at that point.

Key Details

On Friday, The Kid LAROI and Sophie HM stepped out in Manhattan. They dressed for the winter chill, with thick coats and pants. Witnesses saw The Kid LAROI lean in to kiss Sophie on the side of her head. His arm stayed around her back as they walked down the sidewalk. At times, they checked their phones while keeping a short distance between them.

Sophie HM is a model who has worked with brands in fashion shows and campaigns. She keeps a low profile online but shares glimpses of her travels and shoots. Details on how she and The Kid LAROI met remain unclear. Friends say they have crossed paths in music and modeling circles over the past few months.

The Friday Outing

The pair moved at a steady pace through the city streets. They paused now and then to talk or laugh. The kiss happened near a busy corner, out in the open for anyone passing by. Neither has posted about the relationship yet on social media. Fans spotted the moment and shared it online, sparking quick buzz.

The Kid LAROI's team has not commented on the sighting. Sophie HM's reps also stayed quiet. This fits their pattern of letting actions speak over statements. Past relationships for The Kid LAROI often played out publicly through songs and posts.

Tate McRae's side has not reacted to the news. She continues to focus on her tour dates and hockey outings. Jack Hughes scored in a recent game, drawing cheers from fans who watch both worlds.

What This Means

This new sighting shows The Kid LAROI entering a fresh phase after his time with Tate McRae. Public kisses like this often mark the start of something steady for celebrities. It could lead to joint appearances or even mentions in upcoming tracks. Fans watch closely, as both artists use personal life for creative fuel.

For Tate McRae, her link with Jack Hughes points to a shift outside music. Hockey and pop worlds mix less often, but it brings her new fans. Her recent songs hint at closure on the past, setting up space for whatever comes next.

Sophie HM steps into a spotlight she knows from modeling. Dating a rapper means more eyes on her daily moves. Past girlfriends of The Kid LAROI faced fan scrutiny, from comments to theories. She seems ready, based on her calm walk through the city.

The music scene thrives on these stories. Breakups and new starts sell streams and tickets. The Kid LAROI's next album might touch on this chapter. Tate could do the same. Rumors keep everyone talking, boosting profiles without much effort.

Broader trends show young stars cycling through high-profile pairs. Social media speeds up the cycle, with sightings turning into news in hours. Privacy stays hard to hold in this world. Still, both seem to handle it with ease, focusing on work amid the noise.

KATSEYE's rise adds another layer. Groups like them blend K-pop drive with Western openness. Manon's quick clapback sets a tone for direct talk. It helps them control stories early. As they tour and release, watch for more crossovers with rappers like The Kid LAROI.

Winter in New York sets the stage for more celeb runs. Cold weather pushes couples closer, literally and in photos. Friday's walk fits that pattern. Expect similar spots as awards season heats up. For now, this kiss closes one door and opens talk of another.