Sophia Michaels
Even after leaving office, former President Barack Obama continues to be the subject of a peculiar rumor. Similarly, although the beloved boy band One Direction disbanded years ago, its former member Harry Styles is linked to the same odd speculation. The narrative suggests that Obama and Styles may have shared a romantic relationship—an idea sensationalized by some corners of the internet.
This far-fetched rumor, dubbed “Hobama,” began around 2014. It originated from a comical tabloid headline by the National Examiner, later altered to include Styles. The original story claimed Obama concealed a homosexual lifestyle to serve as president, featuring a misleading image pointing to another individual, not Styles. Someone from either the One Direction fandom or those who engage in Real Person Fiction creatively changed the image, linking Styles instead.
The enduring Hobama rumors: Obama and Styles remain silent
Years later, the “Hobama” edits continue to surface on platforms like TikTok and X, alongside fan-written stories on Wattpad and Tumblr. While it’s clearly a fabrication, the rumor persists as one of the most amusing tales associated with both figures. Obama has never directly commented on it, nor on any other alleged relationships. In contrast, Styles did address the rumor in December 2014, saying, “I honestly have no idea what you’re talking about,” which didn’t definitively deny the relationship.
Searching “Hobama” on social media reveals a plethora of content. TikTok has particularly contributed to this rumor’s longevity, with new fan videos appearing regularly, some of which might be more explicit. It’s astonishing how this fictional relationship has remained popular over time, rivaling other relationship rumors such as Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson. If the intense fandom devotion isn’t genuine affection, then what could it be?
