Marvel star Kumail Nanjiani just tackled one of the most absurd internet rumors yet, one that claims he’s romantically linked to none other than former First Lady Michelle Obama.

Here’s the quick rundown: Nanjiani, known for his role as Kingo in Marvel’s "Eternals," recently spoke out on a comedy podcast to deny a bizarre online story alleging an affair with Michelle Obama, a woman he’s never even met.

Unpacking the Rumor on a Podcast

Nanjiani, a 47-year-old actor and comedian also set to star in Prime Video’s "Fallout" Season 2, brought up the odd rumor during a chat on the podcast "So True with Caleb Hearon."

He revealed that multiple folks approached him about the gossip, as if there were any truth to a supposed fling with the former First Lady. “I’ve never met Michelle Obama,” Nanjiani firmly stated on the podcast, shutting down the speculation with a mix of humor and disbelief.

Even more telling, a mutual friend felt compelled to pull aside Nanjiani’s wife of nearly 20 years, screenwriter Emily V. Gordon, to whisper about the alleged affair. Thankfully, Gordon didn’t buy into the nonsense and, per Nanjiani, wasn’t even upset by the chatter.

Internet “Ships” and Surreal Pairings

This rumor isn’t just a one-off; it’s part of a larger trend of online “ships”—fan-made romantic pairings that range from playful to downright surreal. Publications like "Vulture" have tied this particular story to an old internet meme called “Hobama,” which bizarrely links Barack Obama with singer Harry Styles.

Podcast host Caleb Hearon also pointed out that the Obamas have long been targets of baseless relationship gossip, including a past rumor tying Barack Obama to actress Jennifer Aniston. “There’s been this persistent rumor that Barack is stepping out with Jen Aniston,” Hearon noted, cheekily adding that Nanjiani is now in the same league as Aniston for affair rumors. From a right-of-center view, this obsession with personal lives distracts from scrutinizing policy records that actually impact Americans.

Aniston herself debunked that tale last year on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," calling it “absolutely untrue” while admitting she wasn’t entirely bothered by the association. It’s a curious pattern—celebrities and public figures forced to address fiction instead of focusing on their work or legacy.

Obama's Face Ongoing Speculation

The Obamas, meanwhile, have faced their share of marriage rumors, with whispers intensifying earlier this year when Michelle was absent from Jimmy Carter’s funeral. Yet, they’ve handled the chatter with grace, even joking about it on Michelle’s podcast "IMO," where Barack quipped about their bond enduring despite the noise.

Social media posts further counter the gossip, with the couple sharing warm family photos for Thanksgiving alongside their daughters and a cozy Christmas image of just the two of them. On a recent Thursday, they posted a holiday greeting on X, wishing everyone a season of light and joy.

From a conservative standpoint, while personal lives should remain private, the public nature of such roles invites scrutiny—and the Obamas aren’t exempt from questions about consistency in their public image. Still, respect for their family dynamic remains paramount, even if the rumor mill churns on.

A Call for Media Responsibility

Back to Nanjiani, the actor couldn’t pinpoint where this odd story originated, only noting it bubbled up from some fringe social media space. It’s a reminder of how unchecked digital platforms can amplify absurdity, often at the expense of truth.

For everyday Americans—parents, retirees, homeowners—this kind of noise drowns out real debates over policies that affect their wallets and freedoms. Let’s redirect the spotlight to holding media and tech giants accountable for curbing misinformation, rather than indulging in baseless celebrity drama. With a populist push, it’s time to demand better from those shaping the narrative.