In the age of social media, even the smallest spark can ignite a wildfire of speculation, and Zendaya is the latest celebrity to fall victim to baseless rumors. The Spider-Man: No Way Home actress recently addressed viral claims that she was pregnant, quelling the gossip with a sharp yet composed response on her Instagram Story.

On June 15, Zendaya took to social media to clear the air, writing, “See now, this is why I stay off Twitter… Just making stuff up for no reason… weekly.” Her frustration was evident, highlighting the downside of internet culture, where unverified stories can spread like wildfire.

The pregnancy rumor began on TikTok, as part of a viral trend known as “Krissed.” This prank involves creating false claims about celebrities to bait viewers into watching a humorous clip of Kris Jenner dancing to Lady Marmalade. The video in question featured a fabricated Instagram post, supposedly from Zendaya, showcasing an ultrasound image. The overlay implied that Zendaya was announcing her pregnancy.

However, a simple check of Zendaya’s actual Instagram profile quickly debunked the claim. No such post existed. The TikTok prank concluded with the tell-tale clip of Kris Jenner, signaling to viewers that they had been “Krissed.”

Despite its comedic intent, the prank spiraled out of control, with many viewers taking the claim at face value. The hashtag “#krissed” now has over 11,000 associated videos, and this particular post became a breeding ground for misinformation.

As the TikTok gained traction, the rumor quickly spread to Twitter, where the phrase “Zendaya pregnant” began trending. While some users recognized the hoax for what it was, many others expressed genuine shock or confusion. Posts tagged with “#ZendayaPregnant” garnered hundreds of thousands of likes and retweets, further amplifying the baseless claim.

Fans who were aware of the prank urged others not to believe the rumor, emphasizing the importance of fact-checking before jumping to conclusions. Still, the situation serves as a stark reminder of how quickly misinformation can spread in the digital age, especially when it involves a high-profile celebrity.

Zendaya’s personal life has often been the subject of public curiosity, particularly her relationship with fellow Spider-Man star Tom Holland. Despite their efforts to maintain privacy, the couple has frequently found themselves at the center of rumors.

Last year, Holland spoke about his dreams of starting a family in an interview with People, saying, “I love kids. I can’t wait to be a dad — I can wait and I will, but I can’t wait!” While the comment was heartfelt, it likely fueled the fire of recent rumors about Zendaya’s pregnancy.

In February, the couple faced another wave of speculation when reports falsely claimed they had purchased a home together in London. Holland promptly denied the claims, illustrating the couple’s ongoing battle with misinformation.

The duo’s relationship became public knowledge after they were photographed kissing in a car, a moment both actors described as a violation of their privacy. In a GQ interview, Holland reflected, “One of the downsides of our fame is that privacy isn’t really in our control anymore, and a moment that you think is between two people that love each other very much is now a moment that is shared with the entire world.”

The pregnancy hoax is just one example of how quickly false narratives can take hold, creating unnecessary stress for celebrities. While Zendaya handled the situation with grace, it underscores a deeper issue: the lack of accountability on social media platforms where such rumors thrive.

For celebrities like Zendaya, constant scrutiny can take a toll. The public’s fascination with their personal lives often blurs the line between admiration and invasion of privacy. While fans may feel a connection to their favorite stars, it’s important to remember that these individuals deserve respect and space.

Zendaya’s reaction to the rumors highlights her maturity and composure. By addressing the issue directly, she sent a clear message to fans and the media alike: misinformation is not just annoying; it’s harmful. Her comment about staying off Twitter reflects the frustration many public figures feel about the unchecked spread of false information on social media.

The incident serves as a wake-up call for social media users. It’s a reminder of the power and responsibility that come with online platforms. Before engaging with trending topics, it’s crucial to verify information and consider the impact it may have on the individuals involved.

For Zendaya, this experience is another chapter in her ongoing journey as a globally recognized actress navigating the complexities of fame. As fans, the best way to support her and others in similar situations is to respect their privacy and approach rumors with skepticism.

Zendaya’s calm handling of the pregnancy rumors demonstrates her poise under pressure and serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with life in the spotlight. While the “Krissed” trend was meant to be lighthearted, its unintended consequences reveal the potential harm of viral misinformation.

As Zendaya continues to shine in her career, her ability to balance her public and private life remains a testament to her strength and resilience. Fans and media alike should take this opportunity to reflect on how we engage with celebrity news, ensuring that admiration doesn’t come at the cost of respect and truth.