Comedian and actor Kumail Nanjiani has addressed one of the most bizarre celebrity rumours of the year, revealing his amused reaction to gossip that he was secretly having an affair with former First Lady Michelle Obama.
The Absurd Rumor Surfaces
During an appearance on comedian Caleb Hearon's "So True" podcast released on Thursday, the "Eternals" star discussed the ridiculous speculation. The rumour gained enough traction that a mutual friend of Nanjiani and his wife, writer Emily Gordon, felt compelled to pull Gordon aside to ask about it. "Hey so I heard that Kumail and Michelle Obama are, like, doing it," was how Nanjiani recounted the friend's query to Hearon.
The actor admitted the murmurs actually made him "so excited," and he jokingly accepted a "Congratulations!" from the podcast host. The entire premise was so ludicrous that, according to Nanjiani, his wife "wasn't even upset" upon hearing it.
"I've Never Met Michelle Obama"
The ultimate twist, which Nanjiani revealed, is that he has never even met Michelle Obama. He told Hearon that "multiple people" had brought the rumour to his attention, highlighting the strange reach of unfounded celebrity gossip.
Hearon contextualized the absurdity by comparing it to other persistent rumours in celebrity circles, specifically mentioning longstanding whispers about a secret relationship between former President Barack Obama and actor Jennifer Aniston. "I don't know, but what I'm saying is, from my frame, Kumail, you're up there with Jen Aniston in terms of affair rumours," Hearon told his guest.
Nanjiani's Humorous Take
Never one to miss a comedic opportunity, Nanjiani had a witty retort ready. When framed as being in the same rumour league as Jennifer Aniston, he quipped, "I don't know, I think Michelle's slumming it." The actor was promoting his new Hulu stand-up special, "Night Thoughts," during the conversation.
The interview, which showcased Nanjiani's signature dry humour in the face of outlandish gossip, was recorded ahead of his appearance at the 2025 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in Washington, D.C. on March 23. The episode is now available on Caleb Hearon's podcast feed.
