In the world of celebrity gossip, some stories have taken on a life of their own, becoming legends despite their dubious origins. These examples show how celebrity myths can persist despite evidence to the contrary. They highlight the challenges of navigating a landscape where misinformation often overshadows the truth.
From outlandish claims to viral misinformation, these myths continue to circulate, even when confronted with evidence to the contrary. Let’s revisit some of the most famous fake stories about celebrities that people still believe today.
1. Michael Jackson’s alleged skin bleaching to become white
One of the most persistent myths about Michael Jackson is that he intentionally bleached his skin to become white. In reality, the singer had vitiligo, a skin condition causing loss of pigmentation in patches. To manage the condition, he used a prescribed cream called Benoquin to even out his skin tone.
Contrary to popular belief, Benoquin is not a cosmetic bleaching agent but a treatment for vitiligo. Michael’s brother Jermaine confirmed in his memoir that he too had vitiligo, and the singer passed this genetic condition to his son Prince. Despite these facts, the myth persists.
2. Justin Bieber spat on his fans
In 2013, rumours surfaced alleging that Justin Bieber spat on his fans. The claim was largely fueled by manipulated images showing the pop star allegedly spitting and fans crying. However, the images used were from different times and places, with no evidence of him spitting on fans. The singer himself clarified that he was not spitting but filming a video, and he later thanked fans with a heartfelt message. Fans who were present that day confirmed that the pop star was kind and even bought them hot chocolate.
3. Rihanna’s “Before Fame” transformation
Another enduring myth is that Rihanna was not attractive before becoming famous. This story is based on a photoshopped image that falsely depicted her as less glamorous. Despite the widespread circulation of this manipulated photo, the singer’s appearance before fame was not as dramatically different as the fake images suggested. The myth underscores how easily misinformation can spread, even about a public figure’s appearance.
4. Shakira the jam detective
The rumour that Shakira discovered her partner Gerard Piqué’s infidelity because her favourite jam was missing from the fridge is a complete fabrication. There was no credible source or evidence supporting this story. Shakira herself debunked the tale, revealing it to be nothing more than a viral rumour.
5. Miley Cyrus and the 14 women
After Miley Cyrus released her breakup song “Flowers,” a rumour emerged claiming she was cheated on by her ex with 14 women. This story gained traction from a viral Twitter post but lacked legitimate sources. The singer had already addressed similar rumours in 2019, and this particular story was dismissed as speculative gossip.
6. Selena Gomez and Chris Evans
A false narrative claiming Selena Gomez was dating Chris Evans circulated widely after a mix-up involving movie producer Andrea Iervolino. The rumour was based on a misunderstanding and fan speculation. Both Selena and Chris have since clarified the misinformation, but the rumour continued to gain traction through unreliable sources.
7. Ariana Grande and the cannibalism conspiracy
A bizarre and unfounded rumour about Ariana Grande being involved in cannibalism went viral on TikTok. The story originated from a copy-paste meme and was further fueled by conspiracy theorists. Despite its outlandish nature, the rumour gained serious attention, illustrating how extreme misinformation can spread.
8. Paris Hilton’s “Stop Being Poor” tank top
@parishilton Debunking the #STOPBEINGPOOR myth. 🙅🏼♀️😹 Don’t believe everything you read. 😏 #greenscreen #Iconic 👑
Paris Hilton addressed the claims that she wore a tank top with the phrase “Stop Being Poor” written on it. In a TikTok video, she explained that the image was a result of photoshopping and that she never wore such a shirt. Yet, the image continues to circulate, demonstrating how digital manipulation can perpetuate falsehoods.
9. Katy Perry’s AI-Generated MET Gala Dress
In 2024, an AI-generated image of Katy Perry at the MET Gala fooled many, including her own mother. The singer was not actually at the event, but the convincing image led to widespread confusion. This incident highlights the power of AI in creating realistic but false representations.
10. Jennifer Lopez’s $27 million butt insurance
The claim that Jennifer Lopez insured her buttocks for US$27 million (approximately RM124 million) was debunked by the singer herself during a 2016 Carpool Karaoke segment. She clarified, “There is no such thing as that,” putting to rest the fabricated story that had circulated in various magazines.
11. Kanye West and Jeffree Star’s alleged romance
Finally, the rumour that Kanye West’s marriage to Kim Kardashian ended due to an affair with Jeffree Star was based on a single TikTok video. Both of them denied the claim, with Jeffree commenting, “I like very tall men. Me and Kanye have never hung out and this whole thing is really funny.” Despite these denials, the rumour persisted for months.
As consumers of media, it’s essential to critically evaluate the sources of such stories and remain sceptical of sensational claims.
Sources: Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube(1)(2)
Melissa Royan contributed to this article.
