JoJo Siwa recently shared her thoughts on the challenges of being a public figure, specifically in relation to her personal life. During her appearance at Rhode Island Comic Con on November 1, the 21-year-old dancer and singer discussed various aspects of her life and career. Moderated by PEOPLE’s Dory Jackson, Siwa opened up about the challenges of dating in the public eye.
When asked about what she decides to share with the public, Siwa reflected on advice her mother had given her. “My mom always told me, ‘The whole world doesn’t need to know everything, JoJo. Some things can remain private.’ At first, I didn’t really get it,” Siwa shared. “It’s hard to keep secrets. When you’re excited about something, you want to share it. I’ve always been open about my life, and I enjoy doing that.”
JoJo Siwa discusses her current relationship with Dakayla Wilson, emphasizing fun, love, and personal growth
She also mentioned that when it comes to relationships, it’s more about the other person than her own inclination to be open. “My first serious relationship was great,” Siwa recalled. “We were young, just 16 and 17, and looking back, it’s no surprise that it didn’t last. At that age, relationships can be fleeting, though some high school sweethearts make it work.”
Siwa continued, describing a public relationship that didn’t go as well. “It seemed good at first, but things weren’t perfect behind the scenes. After it ended, it left me hesitant to share my relationships publicly,” she confessed.
“It wasn’t the world that caused the issues—it was what happened between the two of us. That made me decide to keep things private.” She then explained how she kept her relationships under wraps for a while. “I had a serious relationship, a couple of flings, but I kept it all private. I’m proud of that,” she added.
However, meeting 19-year-old Dakayla Wilson changed things for Siwa. “About three months ago, I started dating an amazing girl, and it’s been a different experience,” Siwa said. “I was comfortable being open about this one. We’re in a good, relaxed space, and I’ve never felt this way in a relationship before.”
Siwa acknowledged their young ages and the process of figuring things out together. “I’m 21, she’s 19. We’re still learning about life and ourselves, and that’s okay,” she reflected. “We’re not perfect, but we have fun. We love each other, and that’s what matters.”
Siwa rose to fame after joining Dance Moms in 2015, where her personality quickly made her a household name. Following the show, she found success with Nickelodeon, acting in several of the network’s shows and movies, such as The Thundermans and School of Work. She also pursued a successful music career, transitioning to a more mature sound with songs like “Karma” and “Guilty Pleasure.”
In January 2021, Siwa made headlines when she publicly came out as LGBTQ+. She confirmed her relationship with Wilson in August, sharing a video of the two of them at a dance class on Instagram Stories.
Addressing whether her public persona carries the weight of being a role model, Siwa said that this expectation is something others place on her. “I don’t think of myself as a role model,” she explained. “I think people look at me and say, ‘She’s a role model,’ but I don’t live my life for that reason. I just want to be a good person and live my life authentically.”
