Ansel Elgort Welcomes First Child Amid Hollywood Comeback
Ansel Elgort quietly becomes a father

Ansel Elgort, the actor known for roles in 'West Side Story' and 'Baby Driver', has reportedly become a father for the first time. The news emerges as the star prepares for a significant return to filmmaking, four years after facing serious sexual assault allegations.

A Quiet Arrival in New York

Last week, the 31-year-old was photographed in New York City carrying an infant in a chest carrier, sparking immediate speculation. A source has since confirmed to People magazine that the baby is indeed Elgort's newborn, welcomed quietly in recent weeks. No details regarding the child's gender, name, or the mother's identity have been made public.

The Independent has contacted a representative for Elgort seeking comment. The birth coincides with the actor's first major film role since 2021, marking a pivotal moment in his personal and professional life.

Navigating Allegations and a Career Pause

Elgort's career was thrust into controversy in June 2020, ahead of the release of Steven Spielberg's 'West Side Story' remake. A woman using the pseudonym Gabby accused the actor of sexual assault, alleging the incident occurred when she was 17 and he was 20.

Elgort vehemently denied the assault allegations in a statement on Instagram. He acknowledged a "brief, legal and entirely consensual" relationship with Gabby but stated her description of events "is simply not what happened." He expressed regret for his immature behaviour during their breakup, calling his actions "unacceptable" and stating he was "deeply ashamed."

Following the controversy, Elgort starred in the HBO Max series 'Tokyo Vice' for two seasons before largely stepping away from the Hollywood spotlight.

The Road to a Professional Comeback

Elgort's return to acting is now formally underway. In November 2025, it was announced he had been cast in the upcoming drama 'Dinner With Audrey', based on the true story of Audrey Hepburn's friendship with designer Hubert de Givenchy.

He is also set to appear alongside Shirley MacLaine in the road trip comedy 'Lucy Boomer', directed by Howard Deutch. These projects represent his first film work since the 2021 musical, signalling a cautious re-entry into the industry.

Elgort first rose to prominence with starring roles in the 2014 romantic drama 'The Fault in Our Stars' and the 'Divergent' series. He earned widespread critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination for his lead performance in Edgar Wright's 2017 action film 'Baby Driver'.

The arrival of his child and his impending film projects mark a new chapter for the actor, whose career has been on hold for several years following the serious allegations made against him.