Hypocrisy of the secret celebrity smokers: All the ‘wellness-loving’ stars who can’t resist lighting up

Many celebrities, ranging from popular musicians and movie stars to health advocates, might come as a surprise to their followers when seen smoking a cigarette or using an e-cigarette.

At the director Taika Waititi’s 50th birthday celebration in Ibiza, Rita Ora and her husband unexpectedly offered trays filled with cigarettes to their high-profile acquaintances.

Not only are they not on their own, but a once-stigmatized behavior, which was heavily criticized following the 2007 smoking ban, has made a comeback – particularly among celebrities.

Dua Lipa and Sabrina Carpenter are among the Gen Z starlets who have been pictured sparking up.

Simultaneously, it’s been discovered that Liz Hurley, Angelina Jolie, and Jennifer Aniston – known for their healthy lifestyles – have been observed secretly smoking.

Although efforts have been made to educate about the risks associated with smoking – such as an increased likelihood of cancer, heart disease, and strokes – it continues to be the leading preventable health issue in the UK. The goal is to strive for a smoke-free England by 2030, where fewer than 5% of the population still smoke.

It appears that many well-known individuals, perhaps due to the pressures of being in the public eye, are frequently spotted with a casual cigarette. For instance:

1. The renowned actors listed here often indulge in smoking.
2. A number of the high-profile personalities you see below have been seen puffing on cigarettes at times.
3. It’s quite common to catch some of these widely recognized celebrities taking a puff every now and then.

Elizabeth Hurley 

Even though she had been actively promoting breast cancer awareness for a long time, Elizabeth made an unfortunate mistake by deciding to smoke a cigarette.

2014 saw Elizabeth captured in a photograph, seated inside a moving car with her long-term companion Patrick Cox. The image showed her taking a puff from something, suggesting they were traveling while she smoked.

It came shortly after an appearance on Sky News as part of her breast cancer awareness scheme.

A number of research findings demonstrate that using tobacco significantly raises an individual’s chances of contracting an illness.

During the interview, Elizabeth openly shared how her grandmother’s passing due to the disease affected her profoundly. She expressed a desire to discuss breast cancer candidly in an effort to support other women.

Instead of her directly discussing it, her granddaughter mentioned that when her grandmother discovered a lump, she was so frightened that she chose not to inform the doctor about it. She also seemed unaware of what breast cancer entailed.

‘She assumed it was a death sentence, and unfortunately it was for her.’

In my role as a lifestyle advisor, I can’t help but reflect on a poignant moment from my past. My beloved grandmother, who battled the same disease in 1992, shared her double mastectomy scars with me. A subject we both considered sensitive and taboo, she chose to show them before swiftly diverting the conversation.

On the ITV show This Morning, she stated, ‘Back then, there were no awareness campaigns like the pink ribbon movement, no one openly discussed breast cancer, and there were no special issues of magazines dedicated to it nor products sold to fund research.’

Dua Lipa

In January, Dua Lipa left fans astonished when photos emerged of her puffing cigarettes alongside her partner Callum Turner, openly displaying affection in Paris, contrary to her statement last year about quitting smoking.

In a serene moment, with the majestic Eiffel Tower serving as their backdrop, Dua, aged 29, and Callum, 34, appeared blissfully untroubled. Their focus was solely on each other, as they shared cigarettes and moments of intimacy.

In my line of work, I always strive to prioritize health and wellness, so when it came time to prepare for my Future Nostalgia tour in 2022, I decided to quit smoking. On Late Night With Seth Meyers, I had the chance to share this personal journey with the audience.

The singer shared that she quit smoking to ensure optimal vocal health, prior to officially confirming she’d given up completely.

She told host Seth: ‘I was smoking cigarettes at the time… But I’ve stopped. I’ve quit, guys.’

The timeline of when the artist famous for making Houdini hits took up smoking isn’t precise, but following a bout with laryngitis in December 2021, she admitted that she felt compelled to stop smoking due to considerations for her tour. Later, she expressed joy about the newfound ‘self-assurance’ she gained from quitting.

During her At Your Service podcast, she disclosed: ‘In December, I developed laryngitis which propelled me to quit smoking a month ahead of schedule. I managed to do so and I’ve been smoke-free ever since.’

Smoking increases the likelihood of throat infections and inflammation, and medical professionals caution that it may make your vocal cords sore and dry. This irritation could alter their vibration pattern, ultimately affecting the quality of sound produced.

Jennifer Aniston

In a contrast to her wholesome public persona, Jennifer Aniston openly admits to a past of smoking, something she claims to have given up.

Jennifer Aniston, known for her squeaky clean image, confessed in the past about her smoking habit, but now says she’s stopped.

However, during her birthday festivities in 2022, the actress and wellness promoter was spotted enjoying a cigarette.

Or, During her 2022 birthday bash, the actress and wellness advocate was captured smoking.

As a devoted admirer, I noticed that my former spouse, Justin Theroux, shared a brief video on his Instagram story depicting him light up a cigarette. However, the clip was promptly removed.

Jennifer, aged 56, confessed that she used to be a heavy smoker, often finishing an entire pack of cigarettes daily, during her earlier professional years.

However, following the conclusion of her highly successful series “Friends” in 2004, she made a decision to step away from acting in 2007. She cited concerns about how the lifestyle was impacting her physical health, vitality, and personal relationships as the primary reasons for her departure.

She seems to have stopped smoking regularly, but she still hasn’t completely given up on her lighter yet.

Jenna Ortega

2023 saw Jenna Ortega surprising and drawing criticism on social media when footage emerged of her smoking cigarettes in London during the production of Beetlejuice 2.

Despite that, the most critical remarks aimed at the 22-year-old celebrity originated from her own mother, who subtly expressed concerns about smoking on her Instagram Stories.

Jenna’s mother, who looks just like her, Natalie, is a dedicated nurse who consistently shares health advice with her audience on social media, posting more than a dozen times.

Within the group, there was a meme featuring Gollum from The Lord of the Rings, accompanied by a caption that humorously disputed claims about cigarettes causing harm: “Cigarettes are supposedly harmful, but look at me! I’ve been smoking for nearly all my 21 years and I feel fantastic!

In her share, Natalie posted a picture of discolored and decayed teeth, emphasizing that prolonged smoking often leads to this visible issue. However, it’s important to note that dental deterioration due to smoking extends beyond just yellowing.

Smoking habit often leads to issues such as gum disease, chronic halitosis (persistent bad breath), and various oral health complications. Compared to non-smokers, smokers face a higher risk of losing their teeth by a factor of two.

And she later posted a message about duties as a mother which read: ‘A mother is always a mother.

She continually concerns herself with her children, even though they’ve grown up and started having families of their own.

Gwyneth Paltrow  

In a well-known fashion, she advocates for a balanced, health-focused lifestyle and consistent exercise routine. However, it’s worth noting that, like many others, Gwyneth Paltrow was known to have the occasional secret smoke break at some point in her past.

In the May 2013 edition of Harper’s Bazaar U.S., a woman aged 52 confessed that she would permit herself one cigarette weekly.

As a devotee of health and wellness, often associated with my personal culinary endeavors, I confess to indulging in one small pleasure – savoring an occasional American Spirit cigarette, typically lit up just once a week, usually on a Saturday evening.

In a later interview with Holly Willoughby on her podcast in 2022, the actress confessed that, despite having quit smoking, she sometimes yearns for cigarettes as she reminisces about her wilder past years.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie was once a secret smoker, but she has since opened up about the habit.

Nearly a quarter of a century ago, prior to playing the role of Lara Croft in Tomb Raider, the actress admitted to smoking about two packages of cigarettes every day.

In Tomb Raider, which was released almost 25 years ago, the actress confessed that she used to smoke approximately two packs of cigarettes daily before portraying Lara Croft.

During an interview with film critic Leonard Maltin at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival this year, Jolie reminisced about portraying a video game heroine, and how that role led her to prioritize her health.

She confessed that she used to smoke two packs of cigarettes daily, but realized the need for a significant transformation in her health and lifestyle. To her surprise, she found herself capable of accomplishing things she hadn’t thought possible.

She added that the 2001 movie would go on to ‘change everything’ for her.

Jolie detailed how she worked incredibly diligently for the role in Tomb Raider, a process that ultimately compelled her to overcome her habits.

Adopting a fresh wellness approach, she replaced her smoking habit with a more beneficial everyday routine.

Speaking about Tomb Raider, the award-winning actor reminisced on several months filled with numerous daily training sessions – morning, afternoon, and evening. At some stage, all they craved were nutritious meals, water, and rest.

‘I was in training and that’s what your body [wants]… You change,’ Angelina told Maltin.

After wrapping up the movie, the seasoned Hollywood actor remarked about smoking cigarettes: “I haven’t done it since…Though I might have occasionally, perhaps just a couple of times.

Rochelle Humes 

Despite being recognized for her health-conscious living and impressive figure, Rochelle Humes occasionally enjoys smoking as well.

In 2021, I found myself casually sharing a moment over a cigarette with the lively team from “This Morning”. As a multifaceted individual who dabbles in both music and business, such an opportunity to connect with fellow professionals was truly delightful.

Together with Philip Schofield and Dermot O’Leary, the team appeared to be in high spirits, taking a brief outdoor respite, which included Rochelle letting out plumes of smoke while enjoying a chuckle with her entertainment companions.

Abbey Clancy  

She’s known for her jaw-dropping figure and toned physique.

However, when Abbey Clancy isn’t captivating the world with her fashion and lingerie adverts, she enjoys smoking cigarettes.

Or simply:
Abbey Clancy is well-known for modeling in fashion and lingerie ads, but when not doing that, she occasionally smokes cigarettes.

Over the course of many years, this model has frequently been captured on camera savoring cigarettes during outings with friends or on dates with her partner, Peter Crouch.

More recently, Abbey was spotted in February 2023, taking breaks for a smoke while filming her Paddy Power commercial in Cheltenham.

Outside her trailer, the actress was spotted taking a break with a cigarette, all the while exuding elegance in a beige trench coat and a chic tweed hat.

Earlier, it was noted that Abbey often smoked multiple cigarettes to calm her nerves before her wedding to Peter in 2011.

Back in 2011, prior to her wedding with Peter, Abbey was seen smoking a good number of cigarettes as a way to relax herself.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen  

Originally debuted on Full House during infancy, they subsequently ventured into the realm of fashion and achieved considerable success with multiple prestigious labels such as The Row.

Instead, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen quickly moved beyond their childhood fame by frequently being photographed taking breaks for smoking, especially outside the office of The Row in New York City.

On Instagram, there’s an account specifically for images of twins puffing cigarettes named @mka_smoking. This account has amassed more than 12,000 fans following it.

The biography on the webpage, highlighted by Variety, states: ‘A serene image of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen with cigarettes is unparalleled in its calming effect.’

At Mary-Kate’s wedding to Olivier Sarkozy in 2015, it was said that there were numerous bowls of cigarettes. A source claimed that the entire night was filled with smoking.

Ben Affleck  

Ben Affleck picked up smoking in 2002 when he used to get through a pack a day, according to Marca.

Despite attempts by both of his high-profile former wives, they couldn’t persuade him to quit smoking. His smoking pictures often became widely shared on the internet.

Last April, I found myself making an effort to persuade Ben, my then-husband, to break free from his harmful habit, a pursuit that unfortunately came to an end with our marriage last year.

According to an insider, JLO admires Ben deeply, but finds his cigarette habit irritating. At first, she tolerated his smoking as it was his last remaining vice, not wanting to become overly critical. However, her patience has worn thin due to the persistent smoke.

In simpler terms, it means that Ben’s first former spouse, Jennifer Garner, found cigarettes repulsive and prohibited him from smoking in the presence of their children.

In 2005, the director considered stepping down upon anticipating the birth of his first child, a daughter named Violet, who is currently 19 years old.

However, it was observed in 2017 that he resumed smoking habits. When under stress, he reportedly smokes an entire pack of cigarettes daily, and his smoking images have gone viral online as popular memes.

On Wednesday evening, photographs emerged showing Ben taking a puff from a cigarette during the filming of his sixth directorial project, Animals, in Los Angeles.

Ant McPartlin 

ITV presenter Ant McPartlin has in recent years swapped his bad smoking habit for an e-cigarette.

The host of I’m A Celebrity was recently seen taking a stroll with his dogs in southwest London, and he was also spotted using an electronic cigarette during their walk.

Earlier, Ant used to light up cigarettes during breaks from filming Britain’s Got Talent and his previous popular show alongside his co-host Dec Donnelly, Saturday Night Takeaway.

Following some tiring retakes, the Geordie pair took a short respite – it was noticeable that Ant was taking a smoke break off-camera.

Becky Hill

When British singer Becky Hill posted pictures from her latest trips in America, such as at Coachella and in Los Angeles, one photo drew more remarks than the others.

During a recent transatlantic journey, the artist known for “The Crazy What Love Can Do” posted a picture showing her and DJ Charlie Boon enjoying themselves. However, this image sparked criticism from some of her fans.

Some were taken aback to learn that the vocalist is a smoker, as some speculated this habit could potentially harm her critically acclaimed singing voice.

One admirer expressed, “I find you incredible, but I hope you’re not promoting smoking,” and another commented, “I can hardly believe that you smoke” accompanied by a sad emoticon.

One supporter exclaimed, “You’re fantastic, just wanted to express my concerns about your portrayal of smoking”; the other stated, “I’m shocked to learn that you smoke, expressing disappointment with a sad emoji.

A concerned commenter added: ‘It can ruin your singing voice too – be careful Becky.’

People argued that she should be allowed to smoke if she chooses, expressing: “What’s the big deal with smoking? Let her make her own decisions.

For numerous years, the musician has often been seen smoking during nights out, even on occasions like her victory celebration after receiving her first BRIT Award in 2022.

Sabrina Carpenter

Recently, Sabrina Carpenter posted an Instagram photo where she was pictured holding a cigarette between her lips with a fork, keeping it steady.

It’s not certain whether the cigarette was used as a prop in one of her music videos, or if she has started smoking for real.

Discussing celebrity smokers with The New York Times, Jared Oviatt, founder of the Cigfluencers Instagram account, noted an increase in images showing celebrities looking stylish while taking puffs on their cigarettes.

Initially, when Jared started the account in 2021, he mentioned that he needed to dig through the archives to find those specific photos. However, now, there’s at least one or two individuals caught smoking each week.

Following a decline in screen depictions of tobacco, Hollywood appears to be reintroducing cigarettes into its productions again. In Celine Song’s latest movie Materalists, Dakota Johnson’s character Lucy is frequently seen smoking throughout the film, even using a cigarette as she engages in flirtatious interactions with her ex-character, portrayed by Chris Evans.

The previous year, research from Truth Initiative, a non-governmental organization combating smoking, revealed an uptick in films depicting tobacco use for the first time since 2002, when data collection in leading movies started.

According to an investigation by the health organization, eight out of ten movies nominated for Best Picture at the 2025 Oscars depicted tobacco scenes. Compared to 2022, a higher percentage of top films released in 2023 (41%) included tobacco imagery than in the previous year (35%).

Additionally, research indicates that television programs broadcasted on platforms such as Netflix and HBO are often displaying tobacco imagery to a younger audience. For instance, acclaimed series like Euphoria, Stranger Things, The Simpsons, and Bob’s Burgers have been identified by Truth Initiative as shows featuring tobacco content that attract significant viewership among young people.

Since the 1960s, the use of cigarettes has been steadily declining due to increasing public awareness about their health hazards. Despite this, until as late as 2007, it was commonplace to find yourself in a pub, club, restaurant, or even at work and be confronted with a thick cloud of smoke.

Introduced back then by the Labour government, the ban on smoking indoors was celebrated as the most significant public health progress in over fifty years. It came after a prolonged movement, which started in the 1950s, advocating for this very change.

Despite tobacco usage reaching an unprecedented low among adults in the UK (with just 11.9% smoking in 2023), the increasing visibility of celebrities smoking might raise eyebrows and spark some worry.

The data from HM Revenue and Customs indicates a substantial drop in tobacco sales. Meanwhile, some specialists express concern that the underground market for tobacco may be flourishing, as escalating prices of cigarettes and related tobacco items are driving smokers towards less expensive, although illegal, options.

According to statistics from HM Revenue and Customs, there’s been a significant decrease in tobacco sales. Nevertheless, certain experts fear that the illicit tobacco market might be booming, as increasing prices of cigarettes and tobacco products are pushing smokers towards unlawful, yet affordable alternatives.

However, a recent study by Action on Smoking and Health suggests that the British population remains undeterred by celebrities’ fondness for smoking.

The survey conducted by YouGov among more than 11,000 English adults reveals that approximately 68% of the general population express their approval for the “Smokefree Generation” initiative, a proposal aiming to prohibit the sale of tobacco products to individuals born after 2009.

It was discovered that around two-thirds (65%) of individuals residing in England prefer living in a nation free from smoking, and almost half (45%) share the opinion that the government isn’t taking sufficient actions to address smoking issues.

The government continues to view smoking as a significant issue due to its role in causing approximately 80,000 preventable deaths in the UK annually, and they are working diligently to address this problem.

In the year 2023, the former prime minister, Rishi Sunak, pledged to significantly reduce smoking rates by introducing his key legislation, the Tobacco and Vapes Act. This bill proposed a prohibition of vaping and smoking in outdoor areas, as well as measures intended to prevent minors from ever legally partaking in smoking.

In a confirmation made public in November, Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that his administration has decided against enforcing an outdoor smoking ban. This decision was taken due to concerns about its potential negative effects on the hospitality industry, which is currently grappling with increasing operational costs and shrinking profit margins.

Starting from June 1, a nationwide prohibition on single-use disposable vapes sales has been enforced, making it illegal to sell them. Furthermore, the government is contemplating an expansion of the indoor smoking ban, targeting certain outdoor locations like children’s playgrounds, areas surrounding schools, and hospital precincts.

 

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2025-08-20 13:39