In a candid new interview with Bustle published on May 19, 2026, actress and writer Mindy Kaling opened up about the persistent public speculation surrounding her close friendship with longtime collaborator B.J. Novak and the paternity of her three children.
Kaling, 46, and Novak, her former The Office co-star and ex-boyfriend, dated on-and-off between 2004 and 2007. Their enduring bond has fueled years of rumors that they are secretly together or that Novak is the biological father of her kids. Addressing the speculation directly, Kaling made it clear that the two are not in a romantic relationship.
“He really is in our family, and I love talking about him because my kids adore him, and he’s such a huge part of our life,” she said. “But I also know that it gives people a lot of ideas.” Kaling acknowledged that the optics are understandable, adding, “If I was just watching it from the outside, I would have the same questions and the same reactions.”
The Never Have I Ever creator emphasized that she is happily single at this stage of her life. Despite her history of writing romantic comedies and once envisioning an early marriage and family, she is not actively dating and hasn’t had a recent crush. Her focus remains on her career and raising her children.
Kaling is a single mother to three kids: daughter Katherine “Kit,” 8, son Spencer, 5, and daughter Anne, 2. Novak serves as godfather to the children, who share a close relationship with him—one reportedly calls him “Fofo” or “Uncle Fofo.” While Kaling has never publicly identified the biological father of her children, she continues to keep those details private to protect her family’s privacy. She has indicated in the past that she may discuss the matter with her children when they are older.
This recent interview aligns with Kaling’s previous comments on the topic. In a 2022 Marie Claire feature, she noted that the rumors “don’t bother” her, and during her 2025 Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, she described Novak as an “integral part” of her family.
The pair’s playful, longstanding connection— including inside jokes like calling each other “soup snakes,” a reference from The Office—has kept the speculation alive on social media. However, both have consistently framed their relationship as a deep, platonic friendship and chosen family.
Kaling also revealed that she keeps a framed gift from Novak in her office that reads “Never Complain, Never Explain,” serving as a personal reminder to maintain boundaries. As she balances a busy career, including her upcoming Hulu series Not Suitable for Work, Kaling says she is prioritizing her health and longevity so she can be present for her children.
While public curiosity about her personal life continues, Kaling appears content setting the record straight while keeping the most private aspects of her family protected.
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