In a candid podcast appearance, actor and comedian Kumail Nanjiani has directly addressed and dismissed one of the internet's more peculiar celebrity rumours: that he was having an affair with former US First Lady Michelle Obama.
"Never Met Her": Nanjiani Shuts Down Baseless Speculation
Speaking with clear bemusement, Nanjiani explicitly stated he has "never met" Michelle Obama. The rumour, which he confirmed multiple people had bizarrely brought to the attention of his wife, writer Emily V. Gordon, was treated with a mixture of humour and disbelief by the couple.
The discussion, which took place on Friday 26 December 2024, also touched upon another persistent piece of online gossip involving former President Barack Obama and actress Jennifer Aniston. Nanjiani quipped about the supposed "affair partners" "slumming it" with regular celebrities like himself, highlighting the absurd nature of such unfounded claims circulating online.
The Personal Impact of Professional Criticism
Beyond the strange world of celebrity rumours, Nanjiani opened up about the significant personal impact of professional setbacks. He revealed that the disappointing critical reception of the 2021 Marvel Cinematic Universe film Eternals, in which he starred, led him to seek therapy.
His frank admission shed light on the often-hidden psychological toll that public failure and harsh reviews can take on performers, even those involved in major blockbuster projects.
A Reflection on Fame and Fabrication
The episode serves as a stark reminder of how quickly fiction can spread in the digital age, affecting not just the subjects of the rumours but their families as well. Nanjiani's experience underscores the strange intersection of modern fame, where outlandish personal gossip exists alongside legitimate professional critique, both carrying real-world emotional consequences.
By addressing the Michelle Obama rumour head-on and connecting it to his broader reflections on mental health in the industry, Nanjiani has effectively put the bizarre story to bed while prompting a more serious conversation about wellbeing in Hollywood.
