If you’ve been anywhere near a screen lately, you’ve probably seen the photos. Orlando Bloom, looking every bit the Hollywood leading man, leaning in for a very friendly—some say flirty—greeting with Kim Kardashian against the backdrop of a Venetian sunset. It’s the kind of image that makes the internet lose its collective mind.
Why? Because the timing was, honestly, wild.
Just days before those photos surfaced from the 2025 wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez, reports broke that Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry had officially called it quits. Nine years. A daughter. An engagement ring. And then, suddenly, there’s Legolas himself giving air kisses to the queen of SKIMS at a billionaire’s pre-wedding bash.
People love a scandal. They love a rebound story even more. But the truth about Orlando Bloom and Kim Kardashian is a lot more layered than just a "new couple alert" headline.
The Viral Moment That Started It All
The frenzy didn’t actually start in Venice. It started months earlier, back in September 2024.
At the Kering Caring for Women dinner in New York, a photographer caught Bloom in a moment that launched a thousand memes. He was standing right next to Katy Perry, his arm around her waist, but his eyes? They were very clearly focused on Kim Kardashian’s famous silhouette as she walked by in a 3D-molded Balenciaga dress.
The internet went into overdrive. Was he "checking her out" right in front of his fiancée?
Katy Perry, ever the pro, didn’t sweat it. She went on the Elvis Duran Show and basically laughed the whole thing off. "I approve," she said. She even joked that if she’s busy and he’s looking at a beautiful woman, she gets it. They were friends with Kim. It was fine. Or so we thought.
But when the news of the Perry-Bloom split hit in June 2025, that "wandering eye" photo was immediately resurrected. It became the "smoking gun" for fans looking to connect the dots.
📖 Related: Meagan Good Bleaching Skin: What Really Happened With That Botched Treatment
What Actually Happened in Italy?
Fast forward to the Bezos wedding festivities. Bloom arrived in Venice solo. No Katy. No family. Just a man ready to celebrate a friend’s nuptials.
When he ran into Kim, Khloé, and Kris Jenner at the Gritti Palace Hotel, the interaction was warm. Very warm. There were hugs. There were animated conversations. There were those aforementioned air kisses.
- The Sightings: They were seen chatting near the docks, waiting for water taxis.
- The Vibe: Sources at the event claimed Orlando was "turning up the charm."
- The Context: Bloom was navigating his first major public event as a single man in nearly a decade.
Naturally, the rumor mill started spinning. Was Kim the reason for the split? Is she his new flame?
Honestly, probably not. Insiders have been quick to point out that Kim and Katy Perry have been friends for years. They were even on Lauren Sánchez’s bachelorette trip together in Paris just months before the wedding. The Hollywood social circle is tiny. Everyone knows everyone.
The Reality of the Katy Perry Split
To understand why the Orlando Bloom and Kim Kardashian connection caught fire, you have to look at what was happening with Katy.
Sources close to the couple told Us Weekly and People that the breakup wasn't some dramatic explosion. It was more of a slow fade. Katy has been deeply focused on her "Lifetimes Tour" and her new music, while Orlando has been traveling for his own projects.
They grew apart. It happens. Even to people who look that good on a red carpet.
The tension reportedly ramped up during the summer of 2025. While Bloom was enjoying the single life in Venice, Perry was reportedly "upset but relieved" to move on without the mess of another legal divorce (remember, they never actually married).
Is There a "Kardashian Connection" Beyond the Rumors?
If you're looking for a romantic link, you might be disappointed. While Bloom was seen "cozying up" to several people in Venice—including Dasha Zhukova—the Kim connection seems to be more about social timing.
- Mutual Friends: Both are inner-circle guests for the Bezos-Sánchez wedding.
- Shared History: They've moved in the same fashion and charity circles for years.
- Publicity: Let’s be real. Both know exactly how a photo together will look.
Interestingly, some sources suggested that Bloom’s very public displays of "singlehood" in Venice were a bit of a strategic move. A way to show he was doing fine. A way to, perhaps, make an ex a little jealous. If you want to make a statement, there is no bigger megaphone than being seen with a Kardashian.
What’s Next for the Trio?
The dust is still settling. Katy Perry is reportedly finding support in—wait for it—Kim Kardashian.
Recent reports from Star Magazine suggest that Kim and Katy have actually become closer since the split. They’ve been "texting a ton" and planning "girls' nights" in Los Angeles. It’s the ultimate Hollywood plot twist: the woman your ex was "checking out" becomes your breakup coach.
It makes sense. Kim has been through high-profile splits. She knows how to handle the paparazzi, the rumors, and the "single in the spotlight" transition.
As for Orlando? He seems to be leaning into his new chapter. Whether he’s actually looking for a serious relationship or just enjoying the freedom of a Venetian boat ride remains to be seen.
The Bottom Line for Fans
Don't buy the "Kim and Orlando are dating" headlines just yet.
While the chemistry in the photos looks great, there is zero concrete evidence of a romance. What we’re seeing is two veteran celebrities navigating a very public social scene. Kim is building her empire; Orlando is rediscovering himself after a long-term relationship.
If you're following this story, keep an eye on:
- Katy's Social Media: She’s been subtle, but her "single girl" posts are starting to ramp up.
- Venice Part Two: There are more events on the Bezos wedding itinerary. More photos are inevitable.
- The "Friendship" Narrative: Expect more "insider" quotes about how everyone is still "amicable."
For now, the Orlando Bloom and Kim Kardashian saga is less about a secret love affair and more about the fascinating, messy, and incredibly public way modern celebrities move on.
Keep your eyes on the official reps, but maybe take those "flirty" photo captions with a grain of salt. Hollywood is a stage, and in Venice, everyone was playing their part perfectly.
To stay ahead of the curve, you might want to track the guest lists for upcoming fashion weeks in Milan and Paris—that's usually where these "friendly" reunions either turn into something more or quietly disappear.