Eminem’s relationships have always sparked intense speculation and drama—an entangled history filled with breakups, reconciliations, and public feuds. Here’s a deep dive into the women who’ve been linked to the rap legend throughout his life and career.
Kim Scott (1988–2007, 2005–2006)
It all started in 1988 when a teenage Marshall Mathers met Kim Scott at a house party. He was shirtless, standing on a coffee table, rapping along to LL Cool J’s I’m Bad, when she appeared at the door. From that moment, an on-and-off saga began that would last nearly two decades.
Eminem brought Kim home to live with his mother, Debbie Nelson. Kim was just 12, kicked out by her stepfather. Debbie took her in, essentially raising her as her own daughter. But soon, what felt like a sibling bond between Kim and Marshall turned romantic.
Kim became pregnant in 1995, and on Christmas Day, their daughter Hailie Jade was born. Eminem, grinding with odd jobs and trying to break into music, found motivation in fatherhood: “She made me get my ass in gear… everything I’m doing is for Hailie,” he said.
Despite their volatile relationship, they married in 1999—just as The Slim Shady LP launched Eminem into stardom. But fame strained the marriage. On tour, he was unfaithful, and Kim felt isolated. A track from The Marshall Mathers LP graphically depicted her murder, and a disturbing on-stage performance involving a blow-up doll that resembled Kim led to her suicide attempt and a defamation lawsuit.
Still, they couldn’t stay apart. They remarried briefly in 2006 but divorced again after just a few months. Despite everything, Eminem adopted Kim’s second child, Stevie Laine, and has continued to raise Hailie and his nieces as his own.
In 2015, Kim survived a suicide attempt by crashing her car. She later admitted it was intentional. Despite all the drama, by 2016, Kim said, “We’re really close friends… just trying to raise our kids and make it as normal as possible.”
Kendra Jade (Early 2000s)
Rumors swirled of a brief relationship with adult film actress Kendra Jade, but neither party confirmed nor denied the allegations.
Joy McAvoy
Eminem was spotted with actress Joy McAvoy after a performance. She admitted to spending at least one night with him, but the relationship was never made official.
Brittany Murphy
Eminem and Brittany became close while filming 8 Mile. Brittany hinted at a brief off-screen romance, and the chemistry between them was undeniable. Tragically, Brittany died in 2009 due to pneumonia and prescription drug complications. Eminem called her “a really good person” and was visibly shaken by her passing.
Britney Spears
In 2002, tabloids linked Eminem with Britney Spears, but it was mostly media noise—especially since he frequently dissed her in his lyrics. Eminem criticized her image and influence on young fans, including his daughter Hailie.
Gina Lynn
Adult actress Gina Lynn appeared in Eminem’s Superman video, fueling rumors of a fling. While the chemistry was evident on screen, there was no public acknowledgment of a deeper relationship.
Mariah Carey
The most publicized “non-relationship” of Eminem’s romantic history. He claimed they dated for six months in 2001, while Mariah adamantly denied it. Diss tracks flew back and forth: Mariah’s Obsessed mocked him, while Eminem dropped The Warning in retaliation. He later admitted he wanted to end the feud and move on.
Kaia Jones
Eminem had a brief romance with the former Pussycat Doll, which ended on bad terms. Kaia later criticized him publicly.
Karrine Steffans (2003)
The author of Confessions of a Video Vixen claimed to have had a short-lived fling with Eminem during his Anger Management Tour.
Tara Reid (2004)
Rumors of a hookup with Tara Reid swirled after they were spotted together in LA. Eminem later name-dropped her in a diss track, suggesting things didn’t end well.
Nicki Minaj (2018)
A playful Instagram comment in 2018 sparked rumors of Eminem dating Nicki Minaj. When a fan asked if they were a couple, Nicki responded, “Yes.” Eminem played along, saying he’d like it to be true—but it seemed more like trolling than truth.
Where Things Stand Today
Though his personal relationships have been turbulent, Eminem has always prioritized fatherhood. He remains close to his daughter Hailie, who has publicly spoken about their strong bond. Eminem has even apologized to Kim in his music, most notably in Bad Husband, and continues to support his children emotionally and financially.
In the end, Eminem’s greatest love story might not be with a woman, but with the role of being a father—something he’s always taken seriously, even amid chaos.
