Madonna, the queen of pop herself, is turning heads once again. And not just for her chart-topping hits but for her sizzling new romance.

The 65-year-old icon was spotted in Portofino, Italy, hand-in-hand with her much younger beau, Akeem Morris. At 28, Morris is a striking 37 years Madonna’s junior. Still, that age gap seems to be no obstacle to their affection.

The couple was seen strolling through the picturesque streets of Italy, a perfect backdrop for their romance. Madonna looked every bit the part of a glamorous superstar. She donned a stunning black gown that blended her classic elegance with modern flair.

The thigh-length dress, layered with a dramatic lace overlay accentuated her timeless beauty. She added a touch of sparkle with layers of necklaces and an array of bracelets.

The “Hang Up” singer styled her blonde hair in soft waves which cascaded around her shoulders. She completed her ensemble with black lace gloves, sunglasses, and slip-on sandals—proving once again that her style is as impeccable as ever.

As they made their way through the streets, Madonna kept a tight hold on Akeem’s forearm, their connection evident. At some point, the singer was seen shielding herself with a white umbrella.

Morris, for his part, went for a more laid-back look in a beige collared knitted top, paired with cream and black shorts. He accessorized his look with sunglasses that gave him a relaxed yet chic vibe.

The pair’s Italian getaway comes ahead of Madonna’s 66th birthday on August 16, adding a festive and romantic air to their holiday. However, their public outing and display of affection have ignited a lively debate across social media.

Opinions are divided, with some questioning the pop icon’s choices. One user remarked, “Madonna keeps going from man to man. Revolving door style. Why can’t she just be content alone?” Another wondered, “Who does she think she is? Leo DiCaprio?”

The comparison to the famed actor, known for his younger partners, has not sat well with everyone. On the flip side, many fans are defending Madonna’s right to pursue happiness on her terms. One commenter pointed out that similar age gaps are seen with other celebrities.

“DeCaprio, Jagger, Deniro, and Pacino are all with much younger women. Let Madonna have her fun too,” the person wrote. Another added a supportive cheer, “He’s cute, you go, Gurlllll.”

Yet, not everyone is on board. Critics have expressed their disapproval, with one stating, “How absolutely disgusting! Go find someone your own age. I have my own rule—if they’re young enough to be my child, then no.”

Others chimed in with comments like, “Yikes. She’s almost old enough to be his grandma. Lol.” One Instagram user even questioned, “I don’t understand why a young man would be interested in a 66-year-old woman. 😬” Some even suggested Akeem wasn’t “worthy” of the star.

Despite the mixed reactions, there’s still a significant number of supporters who believe in the power of love regardless of age. One fan wrote, “Happiness comes at you from all places in all ways! ❤️😍.”

Madonna and Akeem continue to make headlines with their whirlwind romance. This romantic getaway is just the latest chapter in their high-profile relationship, which has captivated fans and sparked lively discussions online.

Their Italian escapade follows a memorable Fourth of July celebration that Madonna shared on Instagram, where she expressed deep gratitude for her restored health. Reflecting on her tumultuous year, Madonna wrote, “A year ago today, I had just come home from the hospital after surviving a life-threatening illness.”

She recalled how she could barely stand in her backyard, celebrating her miraculous recovery. “Thank you God. Life is beautiful! ♥️🧨🔥” and a cheerful, “Happy 4th of July!” she wrote. The post included a series of vibrant photos from her Independence Day festivities, featuring Madonna and Akeem soaking up the summer night.

They were captured strolling through the streets and enjoying fireworks from a rooftop, their affection evident in the candid snaps.

Their public displays of love have been a consistent feature on Madonna’s social media, showcasing their close bond and affectionate interactions.

It’s not just their recent outings that have caught the public’s eye. Akeem has been a familiar presence in Madonna’s life for some time.

The two have worked together, with Akeem appearing on her Paper magazine cover shoot in August 2022, signaling a connection that seems to have deepened significantly since then.

Their romance, which has been the subject of much public fascination, took a new turn when Akeem’s ex-girlfriend, Reagan Rice, captured attention on TikTok.

In one video that went viral, Reagan captioned, “Put a finger down if your boyfriend of 3 years is now dating Madonna,” striking a chord with viewers and fueling online discussions about the couple’s high-profile relationship.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Akeem earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and government from Stony Brook University between 2014 and 2018.

His diverse professional experiences include roles such as Armed Guard Driver, Soccer Coach, Doorman, and Banquet Server. This eclectic career path adds another layer of intrigue to his public persona.

As Madonna and Akeem enjoy their Italian adventure and approach her 66th birthday on August 16, their relationship continues to capture the imagination of many