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Oct 20, 2025
Nicki Minaj, Kim Kardashian, Nicole Richie | Source: Getty Images
Stars Who Admitted They Faked Relationships for Publicity — and One That Sparked Suspicion
Some celebrity couples turned heads for their headline-making chemistry — but behind the scenes, a few of these romances were nothing more than strategic moves for media attention.
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In Hollywood, not every romance is what it seems. Publicity stunts disguised as love stories have long been a tool for buzz, whether to promote music, boost profiles, or sell a story. While most of these arrangements stay under wraps, a few celebrities have admitted their so-called relationships weren't real.
Here are five cases where stars admitted their romances were just for show.
Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson attend the Berlin premiere of the movie "The Naked Gun" at UCI Luxe East Side Gallery on July 24, 2025 in Berlin, Germany. | Source: Getty Images
5. DJ Khaled and Nicki Minaj
In 2013, DJ Khaled shocked fans when he proposed to Nicki Minaj on MTV News. In a video, he held up a ring and expressed his desire to marry her. But the whole moment was staged.
Nicki later revealed the proposal was a stunt to promote Khaled's single, "Take It to the Head," which featured her.
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DJ Khaled and Nicki Minaj attend the 2016 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on November 20, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
4. Jay-Z and Rihanna
Early in Rihanna's career, rumors swirled about a romance with Jay-Z, who had signed her to Def Jam. The speculation created a media frenzy and raised eyebrows about Jay-Z's relationship with Beyoncé.
Years later, Rihanna's former publicist, Jonathan Hay, admitted to planting the story.
"It was all a publicity stunt... I was desperate at the time because I wanted to have a hit record," Hay told Inside Edition. He said he made up the relationship to promote Rihanna's 2005 debut single, "Pon de Replay," calling it "reckless" and "a mistake."
Rihanna and Jay Z attend 2017 Roc Nation Pre-GRAMMY brunch at Owlwood Estate on February 11, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
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3. Nick Lachey and Kim Kardashian
Nick Lachey recalled a 2006 date with Kim Kardashian that didn't feel quite right. "We went on one date... We went and saw 'Da Vinci Code' together. She left about halfway through and went to the restroom and then shockingly there were 25 paparazzi when we left the theater," Lachey said on "Watch What Happens Live."
He added, "I think there were other things in play on our little rendezvous... Couldn't be a nicer girl, had a great time, but no we don't keep in touch anymore."
Nick Lachey,Kim Kardashian, and Drew Lachey attend the 2nd Annual Derby Spectacular Celebration at Glassworks on May 1, 2009 in Louisville, Kentucky. | Source: Getty Images
2. Nicole Richie and Brody Jenner
Nicole Richie once addressed her brief romance with Brody Jenner on MySpace, saying it was never serious. "The truth is, we were never really together. We hung out, and he's a nice guy, but my heart was never in it. Anything further is just a cry for publicity," she wrote.
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Brody's then-manager, Spencer Pratt, later claimed the pairing was orchestrated to increase Brody's fame.
Brody Jenner and Nicole Richie during Teen Vogue Global Warming Dinner at Private Residence in Los Angeles, California, United States on August 23, 2006. | Source: Getty Images
1. Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson
Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson sparked headlines with a flirty press tour for "The Naked Gun" reboot in 2025. But according to TMZ, sources with direct knowledge said the pairing was a "PR bake-off" created by their publicists and Paramount.
They reportedly had not seen each other between the end of filming in June 2024 and the start of the press tour in July 2025.
Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson on "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen" on July 29, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
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At the 2025 Deauville American Film Festival, however, Anderson pushed back against the rumors. "That would be a death sentence. I'm authentically driven. I'm superstitious when it comes to love. And I'm not comfortable sharing any shred of my romantic life," she explained.
Despite the statement, Anderson never clarified the nature of her relationship with Neeson, and they haven't been spotted together since the film's promotion ended.
Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson attend "The Naked Gun" New York premiere on July 28, 2025 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
While most celebrity couples remain tight-lipped about what's real and what's not, these stories prove that sometimes, love in Hollywood is just part of the show.
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