Nicole Kidman reveals truth behind viral Tom Cruise divorce meme but fans refuse to believe it

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In a recent interview, Nicole Kidman clarified the truth behind a widely shared and iconic image: the viral meme supposedly depicting her celebrating her divorce from Tom Cruise.

The meme is just a big little lie. The actress disclosed the reality of the iconic 2001 photograph during her interview with British GQ, which was featured in her Men of the Year cover story released on Monday, November 18.

Nicole Kidman clarifies misconception about viral divorce meme

The 57-year-old Oscar winner stated, "That's not true," regarding the common misconception that she is depicted walking outdoors with her arms raised in relief following the finalization of her divorce, as per Page Six.

“That was not me,” she stated, before providing clarification, “That was from a film. That wasn’t real life. I know that image!”

The alum of 'The Perfect Couple', donning a patterned top, green capris, and sneakers in the nostalgic photo, did not specify the movie in question.

The meme gained significant attention in September when Jenna Dewan shared it on her Instagram Stories following the settlement of her contentious divorce with ex-husband Channing Tatum.

Kidman married Cruise, 62, in 1990. The couple adopted two children, Isabella, now 31, and Connor, now 29, before their separation in 2001.

In Monday's interview, Kidman mentioned her marriage, revealing that she “wake[s] up at 3 a.m. crying and gasping” as she reflects on their relationship, among other topics.

“Mortality. Connection. Life coming and hitting you. And loss of parents and raising children and marriage and all of the things that go into making you a fully sentient human,” she listed. “Life is, whew.”

Nicole Kidman addresses viral clapping video and AMC ad memes

Besides addressing the divorce meme, Nicole Kidman clarified the situation regarding a viral clapping video from the 2017 Academy Awards, where she was seen applauding with only her palms.

“I had a massive heavy borrowed ring on and it was really painful, and I was scared of wrecking the jewelry,” the Emmy winner laughed as she spoke. “There’s always something behind the actual images that go out there, right?”

Kidman has also responded to the frequent memes of her AMC advertisement, “back to the movies” post-pandemic, quipping that she doesn’t mind comments because she’ll “do anything for cinema.”

Fans refuse to let go of Nicole Kidman's iconic image

The internet quickly responded to Nicole Kidman's disclosure. Reddit threads overflowed with humorous and incredulous reactions.

A user said, "GIRL LET US HAVE THIS."

Another added, "Wishing I was Lea Michele right now, so I could go on without this information."

A third commented, "My theory is: scientology is forcing her to say this! She will never ever ruin that meme for me."

The responses showcase the meme's deep-rooted presence in popular culture, highlighting fans' hesitance to relinquish its emblematic significance.

"Hasn’t it been like 20 years? And she’s never mentioned it before, and no one has ever seen this movie? Sure Jan!" Another fan said.

A person asked, "What movie though? surely someone would have recognized the outfit and said something."

Another added, "And suddenly, all my life has felt like a lie 🥲."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.