Ashley Benson discusses the importance of keeping her relationships ‘private’

Ashley Benson has discussed the importance of keeping her romances ‘private’.

Speaking in Cosmopolitan UK’s April issue, the actress, 31, who has been in relationships with rapper G-Eazy and supermodel Cara Delevingne, insisted ‘it’s best not to be over-exposed’ in the candid interview. 

The Pretty Little Liars star also touched on relating to Shay Mitchell’s lesbian character Emily by ‘not feeling judged about how your heart feels’ as she declared: ‘It’s about who I connect with, not gender’.

The model recently hit headlines when she split from her boyfriend of nine months, G-Eazy, 31, after breaking up from catwalk queen Cara, 28, in May 2020 following nearly two years of dating. 

On keeping her personal life away from the spotlight, Ashley said: ‘I usually keep my relationships private. You obviously can’t help if you get photographed together. 

‘[But] it’s more sacred that way. Those private moments are for you and your partner, and I think it’s best not to be over-exposed, and you can really protect your relationship if you’re not exploiting it. 

‘I’m not going to sit out there and be like, ”This isn’t true, this is what’s really happening.” The most annoying part is having to sit back and be quiet while everybody talks about you and you have to deal with it. 

‘People can say whatever they want about me, but unless you know me, you don’t really know anything at all.’

The Hanna Marin actress also spoke about the significance of Emily’s coming out storyline in the teen drama mystery thriller, stating: ‘I’m not quite sure how many shows had that before ours. 

‘[It’s important], especially in this day and age, to just be your true self and not feel judged by how your heart feels and by who you are as a human being, and who your soul connects with. I certainly feel that way about myself. 

‘It’s who I connect with. It’s not about a gender or anything like that. And I think that’s really important for people to understand. There is no reason that somebody should get bullied or talked about or shut off for who they love. 

‘I think acceptance right now is everything, and the more we can educate people about these topics, the better it will become for everyone. 

‘I thought it would be a successful show, but you never know. So for it to become what it was was crazy!’ 

On keeping in touch with her co-stars Shay, 33, and fellow Troian Bellisario, 35, the Spring Breakers star said: ‘We all live by each other. Minutes away. So it’s very funny. 

‘I want to see them, but I also have to be mindful right now, even though I’m getting tested weekly [for COVID-19]. It’s a scary time for everyone. 

‘I’ve never met Shay’s baby [Atlas, 16 months], and she’s like, ‘You have to see her!’ They’re like my sisters and they always will be.’

Ashley went on to explain why she took a year-long career break following the end of the award-winning programme, adding: I wanted a break. 

‘Coming off a show after so long and doing TV continuously throughout my whole life… I needed to take a mental break.

‘It was the best thing I ever did. I didn’t work for a year and studied directors I wanted to work with and looked at actresses who inspired me, who came from TV and made it into film. I started to compartmentalise my wants and needs.’

Since her rise to fame, the part-time singer has adopted friendships with fellow A-listers such as Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon.

Ashley joked about the Friends star liking almost all of her Instagram posts and credited her as an inspiration.

She said: ‘It’s so funny! We talk, we’ve been trying to get dinner since before the pandemic. We have lots of mutual friends in common and we talk here and there. 

‘Reese Witherspoon, and her, and different people that I’ve come to know – we’re not best friends, [but we] see each other at functions. 

‘Just seeing how they’ve handled themselves, and how normal they are having been in the industry since they were young – the two of them are so gracious and warm and welcoming, and it’s always a good thing to see them. I look up to them very much.’

Elsewhere in the interview, the blonde revealed she seeks therapy in order to maintain a healthy mental state. 

‘Therapy is good. I believe in it very strongly’, she said. ‘It’s always good to talk with someone about anything you’re dealing with, whether it’s positive or negative. It’s good to talk to a third party about what’s going on in my life.’

In the publication’s accompanying shoot, the Elvis & Nixon star nailed edgy chic as she sported a cropped wig and a selection of stylish outfits. 

The April issue of Cosmopolitan is on sale from 4 March.