A recent viral moment involving Tyler Perry and Marlo Hampton has set social media ablaze with speculation about a potential romance. Photos emerged showing the media mogul and the Real Housewives of Atlanta star sharing a seemingly intimate kiss, leading many to wonder if they were Atlanta’s newest power couple.
Viral Photos Spark Dating Rumors
The photos, captured at the Sea Salt SoulFull Sunday Gospel Brunch on March 19, showed Perry and Hampton in a close embrace, with Hampton’s leg wrapped around him as they shared a kiss. The image quickly gained millions of views and thousands of comments, with many questioning the sudden public display of affection, especially in front of Kirk Franklin.
The unexpected pairing fueled rampant speculation, with some suggesting it was a PR stunt or a genuine industry romance. The sheer unexpectedness of the moment, particularly the public setting, left many fans intrigued and eager for confirmation.
Insiders Confirm Platonic Relationship
However, rumor control has entered the chat. Insiders have confirmed to The Jasmine Brand that Perry and Hampton are “not dating.” According to sources, the interaction was entirely platonic, stemming from a friendly relationship between the two. The event itself was a fundraiser hosted by Catherine Brewton, VP of Creative at BMI, with the focus intended to be on the cause, not on celebrity pairings.
Sources also noted that Perry intentionally sought to avoid the spotlight, requesting that cameras be kept down to keep the focus on the charitable aspect of the event. The cozy video clip showing them laughing together with arms linked was also confirmed to be platonic, with Hampton reportedly sitting next to Perry after arriving solo.
Why the Rumors Gained Traction
The rumors gained traction partly because both Perry and Hampton were present and seated together, appearing friendly. Additionally, Marlo Hampton is known for her high-profile relationships, making the idea of her being linked with a figure like Tyler Perry seem plausible to some social media sleuths. For Tyler Perry, who keeps his personal life private, this was an unexpected moment.
Perry has maintained a relatively private personal life since his split from longtime partner Gelila Bekele in 2020. While the viral photos may have fueled fantasies of a new celebrity couple, the reality is that this particular rumor is unfounded. The kiss, while visually striking, was simply a friendly gesture at a charity event.
Did you believe the rumors about Tyler Perry and Marlo Hampton? Or did you suspect it was just a friendly interaction? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!