Are they or aren’t they?

Anyone with even the slightest interest in celebrity culture has found himself or herself asking that question. Celebrities dating celebrities is tabloid gold whether it’s a fling or everlasting love. There's something about the combined star power that makes reporters and fans alike scramble for gossip. Nothing makes people go crazier than when they're just not sure – are
_______ and ______ together or not?

Rihanna and Chris Brown mastered the art of keeping the audience guessing after the 2009 incident where Brown assaulted the singer. While fans of both parties raged a war, no one ever thought that the two would rekindle their romance. The couple has yet to announce the relationship but is far from shy when it comes to affection, tweeting each other for the world to see. On Nov. 24, RiRi went so far as to tweet a shirtless picture of Brown. Although you can’t see his face, his tattoos make it evident that the singers are once again intimate. Brown has even publicly admitted his love for Rihanna. However, between the abusive past and Brown’s now ex-girlfriend Karreuche Tran, no one can know for sure whether they’re back together or not.

Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber surprised everyone with news of their breakup. “Jelena” fans cried at the news of the death of their young love while “Beliebers” cried out in joy at the news of a new valuable bachelor. Gomez and Bieber’s two-year relationship ended shortly before Bieber’s revealing interview with Oprah Winfrey. Rumors circled that Gomez ended the romance because she had her insecurities and trust issues with him; however, People reported that the couple was seen together once again shortly after. So are they or aren’t they? We can only gossip and infer.

On and off couples seem to be all the rage and frankly, I can see why. These celebrities make their name and fame off of having fans who adore them and in many cases, obsessively yearn for them. A taken celeb can get a lot of press between sightings out on dates and the never-ending nicknames like “Jelena,” but not more press than a newly single, attractive and talented celebrity can get. On-off is the best of both worlds—they have a hot, significant other on their arm, but fan-girls and fan-boys all around can still stay fixated on becoming the future Mrs. Bieber. For men, at least, the image of having a girlfriend is good PR. It gets rid of the playboy stigma that could drive away female fans. Who doesn’t love a heartthrob getting sensitive and mushy on TV?

The on-off relationship keeps the press talking and the fans going making it a genius PR tactic. Every time we ask, “are they or aren’t they?” it’s a click on an article, a Google search or a night of entertainment television that benefits the celebrity.

 

Reach Staff Reporter Yasamin Azarakhsh here.