Scarlett Johansson has set the rumour mill into overdrive after being photographed sharing an intensely close moment with fellow actor Jonathan Bailey in New York City. The Black Widow star's latest public display of affection has sent fans into a frenzy, sharply dividing opinion over the status of her marriage to 'Saturday Night Live' star Colin Jost.
The paparazzi shots, which have since gone viral, depict the two actors in what can only be described as a deeply intimate embrace. Johansson, 39, was seen with her arms wrapped around Bailey, 36, best known for his role in 'Bridgerton' and 'Fellow Travelers'. Their comfortable and affectionate body language has fuelled intense speculation about the nature of their relationship.
Fan Reaction: A Digital Civil War
The images have triggered a tidal wave of reaction across social media platforms, effectively splitting Johansson's fanbase into two distinct camps. One faction is convinced the PDA is innocent, arguing that the two are simply close friends and colleagues within the tight-knit acting community.
The other, more vocal group is reading much more into the encounter. Comments flooded in with users questioning, "Is this appropriate for a married woman?" and others directly asking, "Colin, how you feelin'?" – a direct riff on Jost's own 'SNL' persona.
The Colin Jost Factor
All eyes are now implicitly on Colin Jost, whom Johansson married in a private ceremony in 2020. The couple, who welcomed a son named Cosmo in 2021, have largely kept their relationship out of the spotlight, making this very public outing with Bailey all the more conspicuous.
The internet is now playing a collective game of detective, analysing past interviews and social media posts for any hint of trouble in the marriage. However, neither Johansson, Jost, nor Bailey has issued any public statement regarding the photographs or the swirling rumours they have inspired.
For now, the question remains unanswered: was this simply a case of friendly affection between co-stars, or the first public sign of a new Hollywood romance? The court of public opinion remains in session.
