Valeria Nicov: Inside life of Sean Penn’s young girlfriend

On the red carpet with Sean Penn

Although Sean Penn and Valeria Nicov seem to be enjoying their relationship, there are many who have strong opinions about their age gap. These opinions came to light when the director and actor faced online criticism after stepping out with his 30-year-younger girlfriend.

At 64, Sean Penn and 30-year-old Valeria made their elegant red carpet debut at the Marrakech International Film Festival, on November 30th. The Mystic River star looked sharp in a classic suit and tie, while Valeria Nicov stunned in a strapless black dress featuring a draped front design.

The couple turned heads on the red carpet, exuding elegance and style as they made their entrance at the film festival. But as mentioned, not everyone was equally impressed.

Why the lovebirds raised eyebrows

Critics quickly took to social media to slam the couple’s age gap. ”Disgusting,” one person wrote on X. Another commented, ”PeePaw and his granddaughter.”

One user questioned, ”If Sean Penn was a greeter at Walmart, would this young girl be with him? I think not.” Meanwhile, others labeled the romance ”unsettling” and ”creepy.”

Another user added, ”Sleeping with someone who wasn’t born yet when you were 33 is just… unsettling.”

Nevertheless, many people were divided by the couple’s appearance. One Facebook user commented, ”I hope they do very well together.” Others shared similar sentiments, expressing support despite the controversy surrounding their age difference.

Mixed reactions

”I could care less about the ages. They’re both over 18 and that’s really all that matters.” Another commented, ”Leave him alone. A 30-year-old is a grown woman. At least he’s not dating teenagers or 23 yr olds.” Meanwhile, someone else penned, “He’s taking everything on the planet to keep up with that, look at him!!!!”

Sean Penn’s relationship with Valeria Nicov marks his first since his divorce from actress Leila George. The couple had been married for two years before their split in April 2022.

Sean and Leila’s relationship began in 2016, and they tied the knot in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, keeping their wedding low-key.

Dating history

Despite their brief marriage, the couple had a long history together, having first met in 2016 and quickly becoming a strong pairing. The end of their marriage followed reports of struggles within the relationship, and the divorce was finalized in 2022. Leila is an Australian-American actress best known for her roles in The Long Home and Mortal Engines.

Penn made his acting debut all the way back in 1981’s Taps. Following that his career went from strength to strength, culminating in the actor taking home two Oscars for his roles in Mystic River (2003) and Milk (2008).

Penn made up one half of a high-profile marriage with Madonna in the ’80s, though their tumultuous union eventually ended in divorce. Penn has also been married actress Robin Wright (1996-2010).

Sean Penn’s relationship with Valeria Nicov has certainly turned heads and sparked intense debates. While some fans support the couple, praising the idea that age should be no barrier to love, others are uncomfortable with the significant age gap.