CBS’s hit procedural Elsbeth just took a direct shot at one of Hollywood’s longest-running inside jokes—Leonardo DiCaprio’s dating history—with a clever line that perfectly captures the actor’s notorious reputation.
In the world of network television, a single line of dialogue can sometimes cut deeper and land harder than an entire season’s worth of drama. On its latest episode, CBS’s quirky procedural Elsbeth proved just that, delivering a sharp, witty, and perfectly timed jab at Hollywood royalty Leonardo DiCaprio and his much-discussed romantic life.
The moment came during the December 11th episode, which centered on a murder mystery unfolding during a ’90s supermodel reunion. As the brilliant but eccentric Elsbeth Tascioni (Carrie Preston) investigates, she learns about a secret entrance at a house for models. That’s when guest star Laura Benanti, playing veteran model Nadine, drops the unforgettable line.
“We used to call it the Leo latch,” Nadine explained with a smirk, “in honor of you-know-who’s secret late-night forays. Men would do anything for models. It is so sweet — and sad.”
Why the ‘Leo Latch’ Is More Than Just a Joke
This isn’t just a simple pop culture reference; it’s a reflection of how deeply DiCaprio’s dating patterns have permeated the public consciousness. For years, the actor, now 51, has been the subject of countless memes and discussions for almost exclusively dating models, many of whom are significantly younger than him. The “Leo latch” line works because it’s instantly understood by the audience—no further explanation needed. It’s a joke built on decades of tabloid headlines and red carpet photos.
The show’s writers tapped into a cultural touchstone. The reference acknowledges a well-established Hollywood narrative, making the world of Elsbeth feel clever, current, and connected to the real-world conversations its viewers are already having.
A Brief History of a Hollywood Legend’s Love Life
DiCaprio’s romantic history is as famous as his filmography. The actor has been linked to a string of high-profile models over the years, a pattern that has become a defining aspect of his public persona. His list of former partners is a who’s who of the modeling world, a history well-documented by publications like Us Weekly.
- Bar Refaeli
- Toni Garrn
- Nina Agdal
- Kelly Rohrbach
His most discussed recent relationship before his current one was with model and actress Camila Morrone, who is 23 years his junior. Their romance frequently sparked debate about their age difference, a topic Morrone addressed directly in a 2019 interview. “There’s so many relationships in Hollywood — and in the history of the world — where people have large age gaps,” she stated. “I just think anyone should be able to date who they want to date.” The couple split in 2022, shortly after her 25th birthday, fueling an internet theory that DiCaprio doesn’t date women over 25.
The Current Chapter and a Shift in Perspective?
Following his split from Morrone, DiCaprio was briefly linked to supermodel Gigi Hadid before entering a relationship with Italian model Vittoria Ceretti, 27. Ceretti has spoken about the pressures of dating someone so famous, noting the frustration of being labeled simply as someone’s girlfriend.
Meanwhile, DiCaprio himself has recently reflected on aging. In an August interview with Esquire, the actor discussed turning 50 and its effect on his outlook. “It creates a feeling like you have a desire to just be more honest and not waste your time,” he explained. “You have to just be much more upfront.” This desire for authenticity adds another layer to the public’s perception of his very public private life.
This joke in Elsbeth is part of a larger trend for the show, which is quickly gaining a reputation for its subtle and intelligent celebrity commentary, a detail explored by entertainment analysts at Yahoo Entertainment. By referencing the “Leo latch,” the series not only delivered a great punchline but also cemented its status as one of the smartest and most culturally savvy shows on television.
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