Los Angeles, CA – August 30, 2025 – Amid swirling rumors that Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson’s summer romance was nothing more than a publicity stunt to promote their comedy The Naked Gun, sources close to the pair are vehemently denying the allegations, calling the relationship “genuine” and dismissing the reports as “ridiculous.” The 58-year-old Baywatch icon and the 73-year-old Taken star, who played love interests in the film, sparked fan frenzy with flirty red-carpet moments, joint interviews, and affectionate social media posts during the July 2025 press tour. However, a TMZ exposé on August 29 claimed the entire affair was orchestrated by Paramount and their PR teams from the start, leading to a swift backlash from insiders who insist the connection is real and heartfelt.
The controversy erupted after TMZ reported that Anderson and Neeson hadn’t seen each other privately since filming wrapped in June 2024 until the press tour began over a year later, labeling their interactions as “pure role-play PR, not reality.” The outlet alleged that stories like Anderson baking muffins and sourdough bread for Neeson— which he played along with in interviews—were fabricated, and that any shared meals included assistants, keeping things “strictly biz.” TMZ’s sources further claimed the stunt was designed during production in spring 2024 to boost buzz for the reboot of the 1980s spoof comedy, comparing it to the Sydney Sweeney-Glen Powell Anyone But You promo.
Insiders Push Back: “Everything Between Them Has Been Genuine”
Sources speaking to People magazine on August 29 strongly refuted the TMZ claims, emphasizing that neither Anderson nor Neeson would participate in such a stunt, given their established careers and no need for extra publicity. “Everything between them has been genuine. Neither would ever take part in a publicity stunt. They have a great time. Neither of them needs the publicity,” one insider close to the film told People. Another source added, “Their relationship isn’t just for show. They have a real connection. There’s no incentive for either of them to stage something like this.” Dismissing reports of no private dates, a source laughed off the idea as “ridiculous,” noting the pair has maintained a low-key, long-distance dynamic, with Anderson in Canada and Neeson in the U.S.
This aligns with earlier People reports from July 29, where a source described their bond as a “budding romance in the early stages,” with the pair “smitten” and “enjoying each other’s company.” At the New York premiere on July 28, they brought their sons—Anderson’s Brandon (29) and Dylan (27), and Neeson’s Micheál (30) and Daniel (28)—for a blended family photo that fueled genuine speculation. Anderson herself gushed to Entertainment Weekly in July, “I think I have a friend forever in Liam,” adding they shared a “sincere, very loving” connection.
Neeson echoed the sentiment during filming in October 2024, telling People, “I’m madly in love with her. She’s just terrific to work with. I can’t compliment her enough.” On the Today show in July, they shared a playful staged kiss, with Neeson quipping, “A couple that laughs together, stays together.”
The Rumors’ Origins and Public Reaction
The PR stunt narrative gained traction after The Hollywood Reporter questioned if it was “another Hollywood fauxmance” in August, drawing parallels to past promo tactics. TMZ’s report amplified it, suggesting the “baking story” was scripted and that no one-on-one dates occurred. Some outlets, like Perez Hilton and The Cut, speculated it was “clever marketing” that duped fans, with one insider claiming it was “strictly business” post-premiere.
Public reaction has been mixed, with fans on X expressing disappointment if true—”I fell for Pam and Liam’s romance hook, line, and sinker!”—while others defend it as real, citing the pair’s wholesome vibe. Anderson’s history of high-profile romances (e.g., Tommy Lee, Kid Rock) and Neeson’s widowhood since 2009’s Natasha Richardson tragedy added emotional weight, making the story a “feel-good” narrative. The Daily Mail noted insiders say they’ve kept it private, with Anderson cooking and gardening at her Canadian home, which Neeson “loves.”
Neither Anderson nor Neeson has commented publicly, but reps for both were unreachable. The Naked Gun, directed by Akiva Schaffer and produced by Seth MacFarlane, has grossed over $150 million worldwide since its August 1 release, proving the promo—real or not—worked.
As the debate rages, sources maintain the romance is authentic, with one telling Geo.tv, “They have a real connection.” Fans await clarity, but for now, the Hollywood love story remains as enigmatic as the stars themselves.
Sources: The Blast, BuzzFeed, Geo.tv, TMZ, People, Yahoo, People (July), BollywoodShaadis, News18, Halla Back, Perez Hilton, JoBlo, The Cut, IMDb, Daily Mail, Daily Star, News18 (duplicate), NY Daily News, Irish Star, Slate