Jada Pinkett Smith's revelation of a secret separation from Will Smith came after wild, unfounded speculation about secret royal breakups.
During publicity for her book Worthy, Pinkett Smith revealed on Today how her marriage had effectively collapsed by 2016 because they "were just exhausted with trying," but the couple did not go public.
The bombshell revelation is the stuff of dreams for celebrity gossipmongers the world over who frequently indulge in wild speculation about the state of famous people's marriages.
And in some cases, the hot takes can be partisan in nature with unfounded rumors about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle circulating among pro-royal social media accounts.
And at the same time, pro-Harry and Meghan fans have not shied away from circulating rumors about Prince William and Kate Middleton.
One notable example effecting the Prince and Princess of Wales appeared to have hit the mainstream in May 2022 after an MSN.com algorithm seemingly translated a gossip story in French in the magazine Oh My Mag.
It was the first example of the story to be published in English, giving the impression to a casual English-speaking observer that it was an MSN.com exclusive.
In reality, Oh My Mag acknowledged the story was false after being contacted by Newsweek and took it down. At the time, a spokesperson for publisher Groupe Cerise told Newsweek: "This story is indeed false and has been published by accident. We are taking it down momentarily."
No matter how baseless some gossip is, however, it can be difficult to prove the falsity of speculation precisely because it relies on what cannot be known for sure.
For Harry and Meghan's part, they countered suggestions of a secret $80-million divorce—which Newsweek has assessed as false—with some major public displays of affection.
What the Expert Says
Roz Sheldon, managing director of U.K. PR firm Igniyte, told Newsweek both Harry and Meghan and the Smiths had invited discussion of their relationships.
"Yes, media is all over the story in regard to the Smiths' relationship," she said, "but there has been public comment from both Will and Jada for many years and coincides with the memoir release.
"As we know, there will always be speculation over high-profile and celebrity relationships, but the more publicly shared, the more fuel added to the fire, so to speak, in terms of increased speculation."
"Jada discusses the relationship in her book and has made a conscious decision to share these details," she continued.
"I don't think others will readily want to share intimate details about relationships—Jada and Will have always 'overshared' so it's a conscious decision.
"I believe it is possible to retain privacy, Princess Anne has always been low-key in terms of a private life, Harry and Meghan on the other hand have courted and invited the media, so it's a conscious decision."
Jack Royston is chief royal correspondent for Newsweek, based in London. You can find him on X, formerly Twitter, at @jack_royston and read his stories on Newsweek's The Royals Facebook page.
Do you have a question about King Charles III, William and Kate, Meghan and Harry, or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email royals@newsweek.com. We'd love to hear from you.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Jack Royston is Newsweek's Chief Royal Correspondent based in London, U.K. He reports on the British royal family—including King Charles ... Read more
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