Josh Richards, 24, appeared in a TikTok video with his girlfriend Gabriela Moura, 24. The couple, who have been dating for over a year since July 12, 2023, shared insights about their relationship. As Gabriela smiled at the camera, she reflected on the early stages of their romance. For her, dating someone as popular as Josh was a significant decision. She explained,
I knew it was real, but I didn’t want to rush it. I wanted to make sure he was obsessed with me first.
She was aware of his dating history and the typical behavior of many influencers. Determined not to be just one of his girlfriends, she wanted to be certain Josh was truly invested and that what they had was more than just a fleeting romance.
Rumors about Josh and Gabriela’s relationship really started circulating on May 5th, 2023. That’s when he posted a TikTok of them all dressed up for the Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse premiere. The video instantly fueled speculation—fans couldn’t miss the undeniable chemistry between them.
Before their meeting for the premiere, they had already met in person on several occasions. Their first in-person meeting happened during Richard’s birthday week in early 2023, after months of messaging back and forth online. When they finally met, he was over the moon. He had been talking about Gabriela to his friends for months, and the excitement in his voice was unmistakable.
“I want to be with her. I want to date her,” he recalled telling his friends in the same TikTok video posted by Gabriela, reminiscing about their first encounter. “I was excited,” he added, his grin evident.
Yet, as much as their relationship feels different, one question lingers—is this truly serious, or just another chapter in Josh’s romantic history? His past relationships were intense, passionate, and often short-lived, consumed by the drama of social media.
Take his relationship with ex-girlfriend Nessa Barrett, 24, for example. They began dating in late 2019, quickly becoming TikTok’s “it” couple. He often described their relationship as “serious.” However, by mid-2020, their romance ended amid platform drama and public feuds, with both citing a need for personal growth.
Even after Nessa, his love life remained in the spotlight. In early 2021, rumors linked him to another TikTok star, Mads Lewis, 23. While Josh admitted to a brief hook-up with Mads, he emphasized it was in the past and that they had become good friends.
These past relationships were typically characterized by intense but short-lived connections, often amplified by social media attention. The public nature of these romances and the drama that followed them became a recurring pattern in Josh’s dating history.
His relationship with Gabriela, however, seemed to break this mold. He displayed a level of commitment and discretion that set it apart from his previous public romances. This shift in approach left many wondering if he had finally found a more lasting and meaningful connection.
Despite the pattern set by his past relationships, his behavior with Gabriela suggested a deeper connection. In April, he hinted at their relationship on BFFs Pods, mentioning that Gabriela was “100% his type.” Later, on the same podcast, he stated, “She’s the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen.”
A significant moment in their relationship came on July 12, 2024, when Josh celebrated their one-year anniversary with a heartfelt Instagram post. The images showed the couple in intimate moments, accompanied by a touching caption:
I couldn’t imagine a better year of life than the last one I got to spend with you my love. You are my sun moon and stars, my entire world. You make me a better person everyday. I’ve never laughed so hard or been as happy as I am than when you are by my side. I can’t wait to spend the remainder of our days and nights together. You complete me. I love you Gabriela Moura ❤️
Gabriela responded with equal affection:
i love you more than anything. so so grateful to have you!! thank you for being the bestttt. life is a dream with you🩷
This level of emotional openness was unprecedented in his public relationships. Their story, which began with a simple “Yo,” evolved into something more substantial. Gabriela initiated their first kiss but did so with caution, aware of his dating history. Through his actions and words, she demonstrated that she held a special place in his life.
As their relationship continues to unfold in the public eye, it remains to be seen whether this romance will stand the test of time and the pressures of fame. While the signs point to a more mature and committed partnership, only time will tell if Josh and Gabriela are truly meant to be.
