When you're a superfan as recognizable as Laurence "Marlins Man" Leavy, you're used to rubbing elbows with celebrities at the biggest sporting events. But even he was caught off guard at Wednesday's ALDS Game 3 between the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees when he found himself sitting next to pop superstar Dua Lipa and her husband, actor Callum Turner.
Leavy, famous for his bright orange Marlins gear at virtually every major sports event, revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that he had no clue who his seatmates were. "So i had no idea who this couple were and they were so nice and friendly to everyone," he wrote. "I told them i know sports, not music nor movies. They recently got married in june in italy i think. I wish them 50 years or more of happiness."
While some fans raised an eyebrow at Leavy's claim of ignorance—after all, Dua Lipa is a global icon—his follow-up posts made it clear he was genuinely won over by her behavior at Yankee Stadium.
"I want everyone to know she STOOD during God Bless America, and STAYED TO LAST OUT, and took pictures and video with every fan between innings," Leavy said. "I am now a HUGE fan of hers."
It's a refreshing moment of class in a postseason that has seen its share of ugly incidents. From a fan's blatant interference to Jazz Chisholm calling out Yankees fans for booing, the stands have often overshadowed the action. Dua Lipa's respectful, fan-friendly approach stands in stark contrast.
Leavy's praise also highlights a growing trend of celebrities attending playoff games, but few have earned such a glowing endorsement from the man who's practically a fixture in the front row. The Grammy winner and Turner, who tied the knot in London in June, seemed to enjoy the game despite the Yankees' eventual loss.
As the Yankees face elimination, some fans have already declared a franchise boycott, while others are pointing fingers at the front office. But for one night, the spotlight was on a pop star's etiquette, and Leavy's unexpected friendship with the couple became the feel-good story of the series.
Whether Dua Lipa and Turner will return for the ALCS remains to be seen, but Leavy is sure to be there, camera in hand, ready to document every moment. And if the couple does show up, they'll have at least one very enthusiastic fan cheering them on.
