Exactly why the internet is convinced the Obamas are divorcing.

Barack and Michelle Obama are no strangers to conspiracy theories. Case in point: in 2014, the word 'Hobama' dominated headlines after the then-President of the United States was accused of having an affair with One Direction's Harry Styles.

Wildly untrue, of course. But they do say history has a way of repeating.

Now, a fresh round of rumours is swirling — this time claiming that Barack and Michelle Obama are on the brink of divorce. The theories are wild, the sources are questionable, and the logic is… non-existent?? But, as always, it hasn't stopped the internet from running with it.

So, where's the 'proof'? Here is what the conspiracy theorists are saying…

Watch: Jennifer Aniston addresses ~that~ Barack Obama affair rumour. Post continues after video.

The case of the missing Michelle.

One of the biggest so-called 'clues' fuelling current speculation is Michelle Obama's absence from several high-profile events, including Jimmy Carter's funeral and Donald Trump's 2025 inauguration.

While her office cited scheduling conflicts, some corners of the internet saw this as an ominous sign of marital discord.

Along with having absolutely no evidence, these conspiracy theorists failed to point out that multiple dignitaries were unable to attend Carter's funeral due to scheduling conflicts. Wonder if they're all getting divorced too?

Barack, Jennifer Aniston, and the affair that wasn't.

Move over Harry Styles; your rumoured boyfriend apparently has a new girlfriend! RIP 'Hobama'.

Of all the theories that have made the rounds, one that claims Barack Obama is having an affair with Jennifer Aniston is arguably the most unhinged.

It started in 2024, when a popular US outlet, In Touch Weekly, published a cover story called The Truth About Jen & Barack.

The story claimed that the pair were ~obsessed~ with each other, much to Michelle's chagrin. From there, the rumours spiralled. And suddenly, the two were having an alleged "affair".

Aniston outright denied the rumours in October 2024, telling Jimmy Kimmel the speculation was "absolutely untrue".

"I've met him once," she added. "I know Michelle more than him."

A marriage of politics.

Some conspiracy theorists have taken a different angle, suggesting that the Obamas' marriage was never about love to begin with.

Instead, they claim it was purely a strategic move to help Barack ascend to the presidency. Right-wing commentator Jason Whitlock even speculated that now, with Michelle no longer seen as a viable political candidate, the couple no longer has a reason to stay together.

"Barack Obama needed a black wife to be the president and there were people who wanted him to be the president," claimed Whitlock on his podcast, as per the Times of India.

This theory conveniently ignores the fact that the Obamas have been together since long before their days in White House. Their first date was in 1989 — they went to the cinema, for anyone wondering — 20 whole years before the beginning of Barack's presidency.

So.

If this was just a political arrangement, it's one that's lasted a suspiciously long time — even beyond Barack's presidency, when most political marriages of convenience would have logically dissolved.

Tired rumours about sexuality.

Of course, no Obama-related conspiracy theory would be complete without the internet dusting off the classics.

Some are using the latest split rumours as an excuse to resurface long-debunked claims about Barack Obama's personal life, including the allegation he's secretly gay and Michelle is actually a man.

Conspiracy theorists who buy into this tale allege that the former president frequented gay bathhouses and was married to his male roommate in college, as per The Nation.

The thing is, if that were true, many of us… wouldn't care?? Yet this fan-fiction storyline is a feeble attempt to undermine Obama's credibility by tapping into homophobic and sexist biases which tend to presist with certain audiences.

So, this all begs one question: Why?

At the end of the day, the Obamas' alleged divorce is just another entry in the never-ending list of baseless celebrity conspiracy theories. But why are people so quick to believe them?

Part of it is the internet's obsession with taking minor details and turning them into grand narratives. A missed event, a random tabloid rumour, an out-of-context quote… suddenly, there's an entire saga unfolding before our eyes. Nevermind that it's one of our own making.

There's also the fact that people love a good scandal. The idea that even seemingly perfect marriages — like the Obamas' — can fall apart makes for a near-irresistible yap sesh.

Imagining marriage troubles where there ostensibly are none also humanises celebrities, to an extent.

And, of course, it feeds into pre-existing biases or political agendas for some. An example, you ask??

Well, as the recent divorce rumours gained traction, Barack Obama did what any reasonable person would do: he posted a birthday tribute to his wife on social media, calling her the "love of [his] life".

"You fill every room with warmth, wisdom, humour, and grace — and you look good doing it. I'm so lucky to be able to take on life's adventures with you. Love you!"

A normal gesture of affection from any loving husband to his wife? Absolutely. But to those with a grim view of the Obamas' relationship, this was 'obviously' either damage control or an elaborate PR move to maintain the illusion of a happy marriage.

Here's the thing: the Obamas are very likely not getting divorced. And Barack Obama also never dated Harry Styles — apologies to all 'Hobama' fans out there.

Feature Image: Getty.