Entertainment

Celebrities Tackle Tabloid Rumors With Humor

by Martha Sorren

All celebrities have to deal with tabloid rumors, and usually the best course of action is to just ignore them. But if they are going to respond, I recommend celebs follow T. Swift's advice to treat rumors with humor. On Saturday Taylor Swift addressed rumors that she insured her legs for 40 million dollars and she incorporated her beloved cat Meredith in the hilarious burn.

Earlier this month, reports claimed that Swift was insuring her stems for the large sum because sources said, "if something was to happen to her legs, Swift wouldn't be able to give her signature stage performances." If that sounds kind of ridiculous to you, don't worry. It also sounded ridiculous to T. Swift. So when her cat Meredith clawed one of her allegedly-insured legs, Swift saw it as the perfect chance to refute the story with a little humor.

The singer posted a picture to Instagram of the large, bloody gash on her leg along with this description in all caps, "GREAT WORK MEREDITH. I WAS JUST TRYING TO LOVE YOU AND NOW YOU OWE ME 40 MILLION DOLLARS." It was the perfect funny response to a very silly story, and Swift was able to get the last laugh.

I understand how the constant haze of rumors and negative attention can get exhausting for celebrities, but responding with humor is really the best option. Fortunately Swift isn't the only star who understands the importance of this approach. Here are six other celebs who combat ridiculous stories with signature humor.

Ellen DeGeneres

When tabloids reported that DeGeneres and her wife Portia De Rossi were separating, the comedian addressed the rumors on her show.

The other day I was at the hair salon ... And there were tabloids all over the hair salon... and on one of them, Portia and I were in the top right-hand corner. And I thought, "Oh that's so sweet, they're honoring us." But then I read the headline underneath. And it said, "Ellen and Portia Marriage Crumbles." And I was like, "Oh, what happened? They seemed so happy." And then I was like, "Wait, I'm Ellen." And I should know if that was happening."

Silly tabloids. Everyone knows De Rossi and DeGeneres were built to last.

Blake Shelton & Miranda Lambert

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When the pair was the subject of cheating rumors, they took to Twitter to set the record straight in a humorous way.

Russell Brand

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A few years ago Brand was the victim of one of Twitter's death hoaxes. Fortunately the actor was very much alive and responded accordingly.

Khloe Kardashian

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The latest krazy Kardashian rumor is that Scott Disick and Kendall Jenner are hooking up. The news upset Khloe, but not for the reason you'd think! She took to Twitter to joke about the insane rumors with some funny tweets.

Don't mess with Koko!

James Franco

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No one likes to joke around on Instagram more than James Franco. So naturally when rumors started that his younger brother Dave Franco was dating Zac Efron, James Franco took to the social media site to give his opinion (and approval).

Sometimes it's better not to respond at all so as not to dignify stories with their attention. But if celebrities must answer back, it's clear that humor is the way to go. It makes the celebrity look relatable and it wins over people's affection. In turn, the public is probably much less likely to keep spreading the story the celebrity is responding to because now they kind of empathize with the star. In a way, it gives the star control of the rumor, and they get the last laugh. So, when in doubt, make a joke.