Comedian and actor Kumail Nanjiani has publicly addressed the bizarre and unfounded speculation that he was romantically involved with former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama.
The Podcast Revelation
During an appearance on the So True With Caleb Hearon podcast released on Thursday, the 47-year-old Eternals star revealed he was initially unaware of the rumour until it was brought to his wife's attention. "There was a rumor going around last year that I was having an affair with Michelle Obama," Nanjiani stated, prompting host Caleb Hearon to jokingly exclaim, "Congratulations!"
Nanjiani explained that a mutual friend had pulled his wife, writer and producer Emily V. Gordon, aside to ask about the alleged liaison. He clarified that multiple people had subsequently mentioned it to him directly, but his wife was not upset by the outlandish claims.
Setting the Record Straight
The actor was unequivocal in his denial, stating plainly, "I never met Michelle Obama." Hearon summarised the situation with, "Okay so no affair, got it." Daily Mail reported that representatives for both Nanjiani and Obama were contacted for comment but did not immediately respond.
The conversation then turned to another equally improbable celebrity rumour circulating at the same time, which suggested actress Jennifer Aniston was having an affair with former President Barack Obama. "Oh my God. What do we think? Do we think it's real?" Nanjiani quipped.
In a self-deprecating manner, the comedian suggested both Obamas were "out of his and Aniston's leagues," joking, "I think Michelle's slumming it and to be honest, no shade to Jen, Barack's slumming it too." He added sincere praise, calling Michelle Obama "a very high bar to clear" and expressing his genuine admiration for Jennifer Aniston.
A History of Denials and Lasting Marriages
This is not the first time these rumours have been debunked. Back in October of last year, Jennifer Aniston herself shut down the claims during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! While she laughed and said she was "not mad at it," she emphasised the story was "absolutely untrue."
Both couples at the centre of the rumours have long-standing marriages. Michelle and Barack Obama married in 1992 and have two children. Kumail Nanjiani met Emily V. Gordon in 2006 and stood by her during a serious health crisis in 2007, which included an eight-day medically induced coma and a diagnosis of Still's disease. The couple married later that same year in July 2007 at Chicago's City Hall.
Their personal love story became the basis for the critically acclaimed 2017 film The Big Sick, which they co-wrote. The movie was a box office success and earned an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
Nanjiani, who began his career in stand-up comedy, has since starred in major projects like the Marvel film Eternals and the series Welcome to Chippendales. He will next appear in the second season of the drama Fallout.
