In the glittering world of Hollywood, where every sighting can make headlines, it’s no secret that some high-profile romances are less about love and more about lighting up the tabloids. These “showmances” or PR stunts often coincide suspiciously with movie releases, album drops, or career boosts, leaving fans to wonder: Was it real, or just a clever ploy for attention? From whirlwind courtships that fizzle faster than a bad sequel to co-star chemistry that’s too perfect off-screen, we’ve rounded up 13 alleged fake flings that had us all fooled—at least for a minute.
1. Taylor Swift and Tom Hiddleston (2016)
The “Hiddleswift” era exploded when Swift was spotted making out with the Thor star on a Rhode Island beach just weeks after her split from Calvin Harris. Hiddleston’s “I <3 TS” tank top and their Fourth of July PDA fest screamed setup, especially amid Swift’s media frenzy post-breakup. They split after three months, with Hiddleston later calling the scrutiny “weird” in interviews. PR deflection or genuine summer fling? Fans lean stunt.
2. Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson (2009–2013)
Twilight fans shipped “Robsten” hard, but the on-again, off-again drama felt scripted from the start. Their chemistry sparked rumors during press tours, yet mismatched timelines and sudden paparazzi swarms raised eyebrows. Stewart’s 2012 cheating scandal with director Rupert Sanders tanked it for good. Insiders whispered it was Disney-fueled hype to sell tickets—after all, who wouldn’t root for Edward and Bella IRL?
3. Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries (2011)
The 72-day marriage was peak Kardashian spectacle: a $10 million E! wedding special that drew 10.5 million viewers. But with Humphries entering right after her Dancing with the Stars flop, and the quickie divorce filing, it screamed ratings grab. Kardashian later admitted in her docuseries it was “the worst thing” for her brand, but the publicity? Priceless. Divorce papers cited irreconcilable differences—code for “contract fulfilled.”
4. Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn (2006)
Fresh off her Friends finale and Brad Pitt divorce, Aniston “dated” Vaughn while promoting their rom-com The Break-Up. Grocery store runs and red-carpet smooches timed perfectly with the film’s release turned it into a box-office smash ($180 million worldwide). They parted post-premiere, fueling theories it was all orchestrated by Sony execs. Vaughn joked about it years later: “We were just method acting.”
5. Henry Cavill and Kaley Cuoco (2013)
The Man of Steel Superman and Big Bang Theory Penny seemed like an odd couple, but their whirlwind romance—complete with matching tattoos and beach walks—unfolded amid Cavill’s blockbuster promo. Lasting just two weeks, it was slammed as a shared PR firm’s brainchild. Cuoco laughed it off on Chelsea Lately, saying it was “fun while it lasted,” but skeptics point to the zero chemistry and sudden end.
6. Shailene Woodley and Theo James (2014)
Divergent co-stars Woodley and James ignited sparks during filming, with flirty interviews and red-carpet hand-holding hyping the dystopian flick. But the romance vanished by opening weekend, leaving fans convinced it was Lionsgate’s ploy to boost ticket sales. Woodley later dated real-life partner Aaron Rodgers, while James kept mum—though the brevity says it all.
7. Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes (2019–2023)
From “Señorita” collaborators to confirmed couple, their VMAs grind and matching outfits timed perfectly with the song’s No. 1 debut. Four years in, Mendes called it quits, admitting in a Netflix doc it started as friendship amid pandemic pressure. Fans cried PR from the jump, especially with their “breakup” tour posts. Genuine evolution or label-mandated lovefest?
8. Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney (2023–2024)
Anyone But You‘s enemies-to-lovers vibe spilled off-screen with flirty press tour antics and Instagram likes. Powell admitted to The New York Times they “leaned into” the rumors to sell the rom-com, which grossed $220 million on a $25 million budget. No real romance confirmed, but the buzz? A masterclass in showmance.
9. Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley (1994–1996)
The King of Pop and Elvis’s daughter wed in a secret ceremony amid Jackson’s child molestation rumors and Presley’s music push. Their awkward Oprah kiss and quick divorce screamed damage control—Jackson’s sales rebounded, Presley’s profile soared. Presley later told Rolling Stone it was real(ish), but the timing? Pure publicity gold.
10. Kim Kardashian and Nick Lachey (2006)
A single “date” to a movie turned into a paparazzi ambush, catapulting Kardashian into fame post-sex tape. Lachey spilled to his biographer: No photographers on entry, 30 on exit. It kickstarted her reality empire, while Lachey (post-Jessica Simpson) needed the buzz. One-and-done, but the headlines? Eternal.
11. Pete Davidson and Ariana Grande (2018)
From SNL skit to matching Cloud tattoos in a month, their engagement shocked all—timed with Grande’s Sweetener album and Davidson’s post-Mac Miller sympathy wave. Hulu insiders revealed producers milked it for Kardashians cross-promo. Split after four months, Grande shaded it in “Thank U, Next.” Whirlwind PR or trauma bond?
12. Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens (2005–2010)
High School Musical darlings “Zanessa” were Disney’s golden goose, with constant joint appearances and coy interviews fueling teen dreams. But insiders say the Mouse House micromanaged it for merch sales. They split post-HSM trilogy, with Efron later admitting the pressure cooker killed the spark. Real start, staged finish?
13. Rihanna and Drake (2010s On-Off)
From “What’s My Name?” hookups to 2016 Coachella PDAs, their tortured will-they-won’t-they saga boosted OVO and Fenty alike. Drake’s “Marvin’s Room” confessions and Rihanna’s “We Found Love” timing? Chef’s kiss for publicity. They’ve called it friendship now, but the endless teases scream strategic smoke without fire.
These alleged stunts remind us: In celeb land, love might be blind, but the cameras never are. Whether for a film’s flop-proofing or a star’s comeback, Hollywood’s playbook is thicker than a prenup. Got a favorite fauxmance we missed? Sound off below!
By Sam Michael
September 30, 2025
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fake celebrity couples, PR stunt relationships, showmances Hollywood, Taylor Swift Tom Hiddleston, Kristen Stewart Robert Pattinson, Kim Kardashian Kris Humphries, celebrity publicity stunts, Glen Powell Sydney Sweeney, Michael Jackson Lisa Marie Presley, Zac Efron Vanessa Hudgens