JoJo Siwa Shuts Down Pregnancy Rumors Sparked by Viral TikTok with Chris Hughes
NEW YORK – Entertainer JoJo Siwa has directly addressed and debunked widespread online speculation that she is pregnant, using a follow-up TikTok video to quell a rumor that gained significant traction over the weekend. The speculation was ignited by a viral, flirty video she posted with British reality television star Chris Hughes.
The incident highlights the rapid nature of social media speculation and the modern playbook celebrities use to control their own narratives—often by turning rumor-busting into a promotional opportunity.
How the Rumors Began
The online frenzy began late last week when Siwa, 22, posted a TikTok featuring Hughes, 32, who is well-known in the United Kingdom for his appearance on the popular reality series Love Island. In the widely shared clip, the pair appeared close while lip-syncing to a sped-up version of the 1998 R&B hit "The Boy Is Mine" by Brandy and Monica.
The playful chemistry and suggestive lyrics immediately led many of their millions of combined followers to speculate about a new, cross-Atlantic romance. However, the online chatter quickly escalated, with unfounded rumors of a potential pregnancy spreading across platforms including TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. The pairing of Siwa, who has recently embarked on a significant rebranding from her child-star origins to a more provocative adult persona, with Hughes, created a perfect storm for viral interest.
Setting the Record Straight
In a direct response to her audience on Saturday, Siwa posted another video to her TikTok account, which has over 49 million followers. "Couple of things that need to be addressed..." the video's caption read.
Adopting a "two truths and a lie" format, Siwa presented her viewers with three statements and challenged them to guess which one was false:
- I've never smoked a cigarette.
- I'm pregnant.
- This song (her rendition of "Bette Davis Eyes") comes out on Spotify on Friday.
After a brief, dramatic pause, Siwa confirmed the lie. "I'm not pregnant," she stated clearly, simultaneously confirming that she has never smoked and that she is, in fact, releasing new music. The post, which was first reported by outlets including BuzzFeed News, effectively shut down the speculation while redirecting public attention to her upcoming single.
A Calculated Move in the Digital Age
This episode serves as a case study in modern celebrity public relations. Rather than using a traditional publicist to issue a formal statement, Siwa utilized the very platform where the rumors originated to address them head-on. This direct-to-fan approach allows public figures to manage their image in real-time, often shaping the narrative to their advantage.
By weaving in the announcement of her new song, Siwa successfully converted the viral moment from a potential PR headache into a strategic marketing move. While the nature of her relationship with Chris Hughes remains unconfirmed, she has effectively neutralized the more extreme rumors.
The incident underscores the evolving relationship between celebrities, their audience, and the media platforms that connect them. For public figures like Siwa, who have grown up in the digital spotlight, navigating and leveraging the mechanics of viral content has become an essential skill in maintaining career momentum and controlling their public-facing identity. As of Monday morning, her clarification video had amassed millions of views, with fan discussion shifting from the rumors to anticipation for her new music.
