The Man Who Isn't Her Husband: 5 Surprising Facts About Shay Mitchell’s Long-Term Partner, Matte Babel

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As of December 2025, actress and entrepreneur Shay Mitchell is not married, despite her long-standing, committed relationship. The man often mistaken for her husband is her partner, Matte Babel, a Canadian television host and producer with whom she shares two daughters. Their romance, which began quietly in 2017, is one of Hollywood's most enduring and private partnerships, built on a foundation of mutual respect and a shared commitment to co-parenting their young family. While the "Pretty Little Liars" alum has been clear that she has no intention of walking down the aisle, her life with Babel is anything but conventional, focusing instead on their growing family and her massive business empire. This article dives deep into the man behind the scenes, their family life, and the latest 2025 updates on Mitchell's career, including her controversial new skincare brand.

Shay Mitchell: A Quick Biography and Professional Profile

Shay Mitchell, born Shannon Ashley Garcia Mitchell, is a Canadian actress, model, and entrepreneur who rose to global fame through her television roles.
  • Full Name: Shannon Ashley Garcia Mitchell
  • Date of Birth: April 10, 1987
  • Age (as of Dec 2025): 38
  • Birthplace: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
  • Nationality: Canadian and Filipino (mother is Filipino)
  • Partner: Matte Babel (since 2017)
  • Children: Two daughters, Atlas Noa Babel and Rome Babel
  • Notable Roles: Emily Fields in Pretty Little Liars, Peach Salinger in You, Stella Cole in Dollface.
  • Entrepreneurial Ventures: Founder of the travel lifestyle brand BÉIS (2018) and the children's skincare brand rini (2025).
Mitchell’s career trajectory has seen her transition seamlessly from a teen drama icon to a respected businesswoman. Her travel brand, BÉIS, is a massive commercial success, and her recent foray into the children's market with rini has dominated headlines throughout 2025.

Matte Babel: The Partner, Not The Husband

Matte Babel is a Canadian media personality, presenter, and entrepreneur who maintains a relatively low profile compared to his famous partner, Shay Mitchell. The two share Canadian roots and a mutual circle of friends, which is how they were first introduced.

From Canadian TV Host to Hollywood Dad

Babel’s career began in his native Canada, where he became a familiar face on television. He is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University. He first gained recognition as a host on MuchMusic's popular show Much On Demand. This led to a role as a reporter on CP24 before he became a correspondent for Entertainment Tonight Canada. Matte Babel is known for his sharp interviewing skills and engaging on-screen presence. Before his media career, Babel even had a brief stint as a football player in Europe, showcasing his athletic background. He is also an actor and entrepreneur, making him a multi-hyphenate talent.

The Timeline of Shay and Matte’s Private Romance

The relationship between Shay Mitchell and Matte Babel has been intentionally kept out of the public eye for the most part, allowing them to build a solid foundation away from the Hollywood spotlight. They were first romantically linked in 2017. While they never officially confirmed their dating status until later, they were reportedly introduced through mutual friends in the entertainment industry. The couple has been together for over eight years as of late 2025, navigating the complexities of their high-profile lives with a commitment to privacy.

Why Shay Mitchell Refuses to Marry Matte Babel

Despite their long-term commitment and two children, Shay Mitchell has been vocal about her lack of desire to marry Matte Babel, a decision that often surprises fans who refer to him as her "husband."

The 'Unconventional' Commitment

Mitchell has explained in numerous interviews that their relationship is strong *because* they are not married. She believes that a piece of paper does not define their commitment to each other and their family. The actress once stated that she likes the freedom of knowing they are together by choice every single day, rather than feeling bound by a legal contract. This perspective challenges traditional relationship norms in Hollywood, emphasizing a modern partnership based on continuous choice and mutual love.

The Shared Joys of Parenthood

The couple’s focus is entirely on co-parenting their two daughters. Their first daughter, Atlas Noa Babel, was born in October 2019. Mitchell documented her labor in a candid YouTube series, giving fans a rare glimpse into her personal life. In 2022, they welcomed their second daughter, Rome Babel. The name Rome holds a deep, personal significance for Mitchell, as it is a tribute to her late grandmother, Romelda, whom she affectionately called "Rome." The family of four often shares glimpses of their life on social media, showcasing a blended, loving unit that prioritizes travel and shared experiences. Matte Babel is frequently praised by Mitchell for being an incredibly supportive and hands-on father, a true partner in every sense of the word.

Shay Mitchell’s 2025 Skincare Controversy: The rini Launch

In a move that dominated business and lifestyle news in 2025, Shay Mitchell expanded her entrepreneurial portfolio beyond BÉIS with the launch of a new children's skincare line, rini. This venture quickly became a major talking point.

The Korean-Made Skincare Brand

Launched in November 2025, rini was marketed as a Korean-made skincare brand specifically for children and "Gen Alpha." The brand's initial product, a serum-infused glaze mist, aimed to deliver a "glass-skin glow" for kids. Mitchell leveraged her massive influencer status and business acumen to promote the line, even appearing at the 2025 Gold Gala to discuss her expanding empire.

The Backlash and Mitchell’s Response

The launch, however, was met with widespread criticism and controversy. Many parents and dermatologists questioned the necessity of "serum-infused" products and "glass-skin" goals for young children, sparking a debate about the premature sexualization and commercialization of childhood. Critics argued that the brand was creating a problem (complex skincare needs for children) to sell a solution. Mitchell was quick to address the controversy, breaking her silence in media interviews to defend her brand's mission, insisting that the products were about fun, self-care, and building healthy habits, not complex beauty routines. This 2025 development highlights Mitchell's status as a formidable, if sometimes controversial, figure in the business world.
shay mitchell husband
shay mitchell husband

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