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Why celebs think cigarettes are ‘cool’ again: Bizarre reason stars shun vapes in favour of real tobacco, as Beyonce and Dua Lipa lead the legions lighting up

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Celebrities, such as Beyoncé and Dua Lipa, are openly showcasing their smoking habits more frequently, moving into an era where they no longer hide this practice that was previously kept under wraps. This is evident from Beyonce’s stage performances to the casual Instagram posts shared by Dua Lipa.

It used to be common for pop stars who have a large youthful fanbase to conceal their smoking habits due to the concern they might be perceived as encouraging harmful behaviors. However, it seems this time has passed.

It has been noticed that celebrities like Paul Mescal, Sabrina Carpenter, and Gracie Abrams have been seen puffing on regular cigarettes in public areas, as opposed to using vaporizers or electronic cigarettes.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d like to emphasize the potential hazards associated with both nicotine and vaping products. It’s alarming to note that nicotine use can significantly heighten the risk of at least 16 types of cancer and is responsible for 20% of preventable deaths worldwide. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that vaping also comes with its own set of concerns, distinct from the health risks.

In the United Kingdom last month, a ban on the sale of disposable e-cigarettes (vapes) was implemented as a means to deter youth from adopting this practice and to lessen the ecological footprint associated with them.

Teenagers, as well as those in their middle age trying to kick a cigarette habit, are frequently linked with vaping. Notably, it’s the 45-54 age group that has experienced the most significant rise in vaping habits.

It’s not surprising, then, that cigarette smoking has seen a revival recently as some celebrities have taken up smoking again, seemingly to project an image of being trendy or stylish.

The Instagram account ‘Cigfluencers’ regularly showcases celebrities enjoying cigarettes with a bio that reads, “We are commonly known as HOT PEOPLE, preserving the style and sophistication associated with smoking.

As a devoted admirer putting it, I can’t help but echo the sentiments of renowned lung oncologist, Dr. James Wilson, who shared with TopMob his perspective: Given the recent surge in vaping’s appeal, it’s hardly unexpected to see a resurgence in traditional smoking habits.

‘Vaping today holds an intriguing charm, captivating two distinct demographics – young and old,’ he noted. ‘On one hand, you have traditional smokers who are trying to quit smoking cigarettes, while on the other, teenagers find e-cigarettes appealing due to their novelty. Vaping has now become more about image than health.’

Similar to how smoking was fashionable in the 1950s, today’s youth are drawn to vaping due to its perceived coolness. Unfortunately, they often overlook the dangers linked with addiction. An appealing image can sometimes entice some back to smoking cigarettes once the novelty of vaping fades away.

It’s becoming clearer that vaping might help people stop smoking, but there’s a concern it could make smoking seem acceptable to our future generations. We need to have an open conversation about whether giving up cigarettes or adopting vaping is more beneficial for our society in the long run, especially here in this country.

Emphasizing education about the potential dangers is crucial. It’s interesting to note that this mirrors the recurring allure of smoking. From the heart of the 20th century right up to today, it’s a tale we must delve into.

‘Regardless of the form it comes in, nicotine addiction lacks any glamour. It negatively affects one’s health, skin, lungs, heart, lifestyle, and overall well-being. To my mind, that’s far from being appealing.’

Furthermore, he cautioned that celebrities opting for smoking rather than vaping could be jeopardizing their health significantly.

According to Dr. Wilson, smoking is significantly more detrimental than vaping because it involves specific harmful chemicals that have pronounced biological impacts on the body.

Promoting smoking, even by popular celebrities such as Beyoncé, serves a double purpose: it validates smoking as an acceptable behavior and makes a harmful practice seem casual or commonplace among impressionable youth. Studies indicate that witnessing smoking in imagery at an early age boosts the probability of trying smoking.

When tobacco is burned, it releases numerous dangerous compounds such as tar, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and several carcinogens. These harmful substances not only cause direct damage to lung tissues but also affect the cardiovascular system negatively.

This implies a higher likelihood of developing heart disease and strokes. Notably, tar poses a significant concern since it tends to amass in lung tissue, eventually causing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema – conditions that significantly compromise lung health.

‘Vaping essentially involves heating a liquid mixture, often made with propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin. Vapes aren’t completely risk-free, but we know they typically contain fewer harmful chemicals than cigarettes. The lack of combustion during vaping significantly reduces the amount of dangerous byproducts. Recent studies suggest that vaping does pose health risks. However, cigarette smoking introduces a much higher level of toxic substances into your body.’

‘Smoking has significant effects on biology, especially on the developing lungs during adolescence, which may inhibit growth and development, lead to lasting respiratory problems, and potentially cause nicotine addiction.’

The severe health issues arising from smoking, such as cancer and heart disease, are unquestionably real. In my medical practice, I frequently encounter patients dealing with these conditions, along with a diminished overall quality of life – all of which can be traced back to cigarette consumption.

GRACIE ABRAMS 

Last weekend, the musician and offspring of renowned Star Wars director JJ Abrams, often referred to as a ‘nepo-baby’, faced criticism after she was seen smoking at Glastonbury.

People on social media criticized the 25-year-old star, using her 2021 song “Camden” as a basis for their criticism regarding her smoking habit.

In the tune, Gracie sings: ‘I’ll never smoke, at least not me / My sibling kept me away from it all / He warned me, saying smoking is deadly.’

In a conversation with X, users wrote: ‘Let’s consider our decisions, Gracie… It’s not feasible to keep smoking given her vocal talent… Smoking? That might be why she struggles during performances… She seems to prioritize her career just as we would expect from those who inherited their opportunities.’

PAUL MESCAL 

Gracie’s boyfriend Paul meanwhile is also a fan of puffing on a nicotine stick. 

The muscular Irish man is frequently spotted with a cigarette and recently shared an account of his struggle to stop smoking, as he prepared for the role in Gladiator 2 last year.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d put it this way: Even though I meticulously maintain my physique through disciplined dieting and intense workout regimens, I stand firm in my decision not to give up on my cherished indulgences.

He stated that he followed all his instructions, but when it comes to drinking and smoking, he has personal preferences and therefore set boundaries on those activities.

It’s common knowledge that Paul socializes with other high-profile smokers, as he was recently seen sharing a smoke with Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Natalie Portman.

CHARLI XCX 

As the founder of the ‘Brat Summer’, Charli XCX is a strong promoter of smoking. 

The British celebrity defined the term ‘Brat’ as being equivalent to a pack of cigarettes, a Bic lighter, and a loose-fitting white top without a bra.

At her 32nd birthday party in Los Angeles last year, fellow pop star Rosalía presented her with a bouquet not of flowers, but of cigarettes – such is her enthusiasm for smoking.

DUA LIPA 

Dua Lipa made a public declaration that she had given up smoking, but later on, some occasions arose where she was spotted with cigarettes following this announcement.

In December 2021, she mentioned quitting due to laryngitis and for her ‘Future Nostalgia’ tour.

In the scorching summer of 2023, she was captured on camera puffing away on a cigarette. Lately, she’s been sharing images on Instagram that show her casually holding a cigarette, which appears to be a bold move against a “No Smoking” sign.

DOJA CAT  

In my previous year, I found myself, much like Doja Cat, caught with a cigarette in hand, surprisingly, amidst my ongoing commitment to break free from both vaping and conventional smoking.

The musician continued smoking, even though she had earlier stated that she was no longer dependent on nicotine thanks to hypnotherapy, and had undergone tonsil surgery to treat an abscess in 2022.

In the month of April 2023, Doja shared her thoughts on not using nicotine-filled vaporizers during an exchange with Interview Magazine: “It’s been around 10 weeks since I last used nicotine… (or alternatively) I haven’t had any nicotine for about 10 weeks now…

After Elle published a photoshoot featuring me smoking a cigarette, some people have reacted with surprise as if they hadn’t seen it before, saying things like ‘Oh my God, she’s smoking again.’ However, the truth is that the photos were taken when I was actually smoking. These images have been in circulation for many years within interviews, but now they seem to have resurfaced and caused a stir.

I don’t use tobacco products; I’m nicotine-free. In fact, I enjoy nicotine-free vapes. Zero-nicotine vapes seem to lack the impact, as if I’m merely inhaling and exhaling with no real sensation, leaving me puzzled. It feels rather pointless. However, this device delivers a different experience; it actually provides a strong hit, delivering the same satisfying effect.

Additionally, I tried hypnotherapy, and surprisingly, it had an instant effect on me. After the session, I simply stopped smoking and haven’t picked up a cigarette since then.

During the following month, she faced severe criticism for using e-cigarettes at the Met Gala, even though Anna Wintour had prohibited smoking over a year ago since she had undergone surgery to remove an abscess from her throat.

BEYONCE 

At her recent Cowboy Carter tour stop in Paris last month, it appeared that Beyoncé’s use of cigarettes was just a part of her performance, but in reality, they were the trendy accessory of the day.

During her act, the star took out a cigarette and began mimicking smoking it with a prop.

In earlier performances captured by enthusiastic fans, it is evident that she interprets the phrase ‘smoking hot’ quite literally. During her act, she dramatically sets a piano ablaze on stage.

SABRINA CARPENTER 

As a connoisseur of lifestyle trends, I must say that Sabrina Carpenter, often associated with her bold and sensual persona, opted for an intriguing prop in the music video for her newest hit, Manchild – a fork serving as a makeshift cigarette holder. Quite an unexpected twist, don’t you think?

Last month’s release of the song featured her lighting a cigarette at a gas station, all while perched comfortably on an old-school vehicle, with a fur coat draped around her.

She has also been pictured puffing on cigars at various times  

KIRSTEN DUNST 

As a seasoned lifestyle guru, I recently found myself mingling with some of the brightest stars during the 2024 Academy Awards backstage. Among the luminaries were Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, Justine Triet, Swann Arlaud, and Sophie Mas. Their radiant energy was infectious, and I couldn’t help but feel invigorated by their presence. Each one of them radiated a unique charm that made the evening even more unforgettable.

2022 reports suggested that Kirsten and Jesse had quit smoking for their kids’ sake, but more recent photos seem to suggest otherwise.

She is a long time smoker and has even been accused of losing her voice due to her habit.  

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2025-07-08 03:51

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