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

Nicole Kidman reveals truth behind viral Tom Cruise divorce meme but fans refuse to believe it
A widely shared meme portrayed Nicole Kidman celebrating her divorce from Tom Cruise in 2001 (Getty Images, @lohanisgod/ X)

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.

Actor Tom Cruise and wife actress Nicole Kidman arrive for
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman arrive for 'The Blue Room' play opening party at Pier 60 in New York City on December 13, 1998 (Dianna Freed/ Getty Images)

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.

PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 30: Nicole Kidman attends Balenciaga during the Womenswear Spring/Summer 2025 as part of Paris Fashion Week on September 30, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Neil Mockford/GC Images)
Nicole Kidman attends Balenciaga during the Womenswear Spring/Summer 2025 as part of Paris Fashion Week on September 30, 2024 in Paris, France (Neil Mockford/GC Images)

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?”

Nicole Kidman attends the Balenciaga Paris Womenswear Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on September 30, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pierre Suu/Getty Images)
Nicole Kidman attends the Balenciaga Paris Womenswear Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on September 30, 2024, in Paris, France (Pierre Suu/Getty Images)

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."

Reddit threads filled with humorous and incredulous responses (r/Fauxmoi/ Reddit)
Reddit threads filled with humorous and incredulous responses (r/Fauxmoi/ Reddit)

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.

Fans refuse to let go of the iconic image (r/Fauxmoi/ Reddit)
Fans refused to let go of the iconic image (r/Fauxmoi/ Reddit)

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.

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