“A decade of effort summed up in one word,” commented a celebrity.
In today’s digital age, celebrities can quickly become the subject of internet memes. A single Instagram post or a humorous red carpet moment can transform into a viral sensation shared widely online. While audiences often find these memes amusing, the individuals involved may not always share the same sentiment. Some celebrities enjoy the humor, while others wish to avoid such attention.
Here’s what some celebrities have said about becoming memes:
Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato became a meme over ten years ago when a fan posted a heavily edited, overexposed photo of her on Tumblr. The image, which depicted a distorted version of Lovato, was humorously dubbed “Poot,” a fictional twin sister. Though Lovato has since embraced the meme, even dressing as Poot for Halloween, she initially disliked it.
“When Poot went viral, it was tough because I thought it was a real photo of me,” Lovato told Harper’s BAZAAR. “I was relieved to realize it was photoshopped.”
Olivia Cooke & Emma D’Arcy
Stars of House of Dragons, Olivia Cooke and Emma D’Arcy, became memes after a discussion about their favorite drinks went viral. Emma’s mention of a negroni sbagliato became a TikTok trend. Despite the internet’s amusement, Cooke and D’Arcy were not fans of the meme.
“I disliked it for a long time,” Cooke shared with Entertainment Weekly. “A single word seemed to overshadow my career.” D’Arcy added, “It’s challenging to know how to react to becoming a meme.”
Dua Lipa
In 2018, Dua Lipa’s BRIT Awards performance led to a viral meme criticizing her energy level. The comment, “I love her lack of energy, go girl give us nothing,” became widespread. Dua found it “hurtful” and “humiliating,” prompting her to take a break from social media.
“Performing and writing songs, my greatest joys, were overshadowed by public scrutiny,” she told The Guardian. “I learned to be resilient.”
Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez has been a meme multiple times, much to her dismay. In 2023, a photo of her wrapped in a blanket became a meme, with fans likening it to an old family photo. Gomez expressed her frustration, stating on Instagram, “I will never be a meme again.”
Millie Bobby Brown
At 14, Millie Bobby Brown was unwillingly turned into a meme, with fake quotes suggesting she was anti-LGBTQ. This led her to leave social media. During the MTV Movie & TV Awards, she addressed the issue, advocating against bullying.
“If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say it,” she advised.
Jason Derulo
A photo of a man falling at the 2015 Met Gala was mistakenly identified as Jason Derulo, making it an annual meme. Derulo finds the mix-up humorous, telling People, “It’s hilarious, even if people still think it was me.”
Adele
Adele became a meme after appearing unimpressed at a basketball game. She later explained she was “sulking” because she had asked not to be filmed. “I was annoyed, but I guess I invited it by attending,” she said during a concert.
Kevin James
A candid photo of Kevin James on the set of King of Queens became a meme. Although he finds it “dumb,” he admits some are funny. “The photographer asked for goofy poses, and I obliged,” he shared on The Tonight Show.
Chloë Grace Moretz
Chloë Grace Moretz was affected by a meme comparing her to a Family Guy character. The widespread joke impacted her self-esteem. “It was hard seeing my body used as a joke,” she told Hunger magazine.
Keke Palmer
Keke Palmer became a meme after failing to recognize former Vice President Dick Cheney in a Vanity Fair interview. She embraced the meme, even creating merchandise, and later said she was glad she didn’t know who he was.
Chrissy Teigen
Chrissy Teigen’s “crying face” at the 2015 Golden Globes became a viral reaction image. She humorously referred to it as a “legendary moment” on Instagram.
Keanu Reeves
The “Sad Keanu” meme, originating from a photo of Reeves eating a sandwich on a park bench, has been a staple for over a decade. “I was just thinking while eating,” Reeves explained on The Late Show.
Ben Affleck
Ben Affleck frequently becomes a meme due to candid photos showing him looking downcast. He attributes it to not caring about his public appearance. “I think it’s funny,” he told GQ, referencing the “sad Affleck” meme.
