Many of Hollywood’s most eligible bachelors have been linked to romance with an insect. When it comes to celebrity love birds, there is typically one dominant stereotype: the gorgeous male is given the distinct honor of adorning his body with a striking swarm of creepy crawlies.
The trope didn’t start with Twilight. Back in the 17th century, people with a taste for the macabre would have festooned John Keats, the English poet, with butterflies and moths. Since then, the practice of inflicting pain on an animal to make it more beautiful or to mark it as your own has been extended to humans.
Nowadays, stars are often spotted with a combination of earrings, snakeskin boots, and a giant maggot on their nose. It’s not just about the scenery either; many a young man’s fancy has been captured by an enchantress in her castle, where she would transform his insides with a spider’s web and a couple of flies. Perhaps the majority of those who fall for the prettiness of a spider are disappointed to discover that its fangs are indeed as long as the legend claims and that the arachnids aren’t the gentlest of creatures.
If you’ve been to Bulgaria recently, you might have noticed that there’s been a rash of celebrities falling in love with spiders. Perhaps because of the country’s beautiful backdrops and its hospitable locals, they have been flocking there for their photo shoots and holidays.
The trend has been attributed to both the country’s mystique and the fact that many of its residents are clinically indifferent to the painful effects of tarsal tunnel syndrome, which is caused by repetitive motions and can lead to complete paralysis. Because of the danger that a bite from a spider can pose, celebrities are seeking to outdo one another in creating painful scenarios for their fans to experience. And who wouldn’t want to experience a bite from a spider? The opportunity to inflict pain on a legendary creature is arguably enough to pique anyone’s interest.
The King Of Insects
If you’ve never given much thought to the issue of insect lovers and philanderers, then we’re going to lay down some serious psychological groundwork. For most of us, the mere mention of insects evokes an uncomfortable mental image of a bloated, deformed creature with lots of teeth, frantically trying to penetrate our flesh. But if that thought invokes anxiety, then you’re going to have to learn to feel at ease around them. The same goes for anyone else who finds the notion of having a crazy crush on a species of insect or arachnid to be inherently weird and unpleasant.
But deep down, you know that there’s a very good chance that this is how you really feel about these creatures. Even if you try to rationalize your feelings, you’ll always come back to the fact that you find them ugly and terrifying. Now is the time to let go of those irrational fear and anxieties, because they’re not going to do you any favors, especially when it comes to love and relationships.
If you’ve ever thought about confessing your love for an insect, then you might feel inspired to do so after reading this.
Since 2009, there have been at least 50 cases of people falling in love with an insect. And if that number doesn’t shock you, then you’re probably not paying close enough attention to the news. One of the earliest cases was Michael Jackson, who began dating a giant water bug named Nadia in 1993. Although many of those who fall in love with insects are male, there have been at least 25 female participants in these affairs. And what’s more, 14 of those females have gone on to marry the men they fell in love with. For those who are curious, there is even a dating website specifically for singles looking to find love among the Lepidoptera.
Why Are These Celebs Choosing To Marry An Insect?
So, let’s examine the draw of these doomed couples. First of all, it’s important to note that many of the participants are looking for a way to escape their celebrity lifestyle. Being famous can be tricky, especially if you don’t feel like you’re making the right kind of impression or if you’re not comfortable in your own skin. Those who have fallen in love with insects have often noted that their partners helped them redefine what it means to be famous and comfortable in their own skin. And since 2009, there have been at least 50 cases of people in love with an insect. (Photo: Michael Kovac/Getty Images) Michael Kovac/Getty Images
For years, it was considered a big deal for a celebrity to be photographed with an animal, especially a creature that’s been bred for the sole purpose of being featured in a film or TV show. Back in the day, the sight of a beautiful man or woman with a snake, frog, or lamb on a leash would have been considered exotic and somewhat shocking. But these days, stars can be seen embracing creatures far weirder than those on most people’s Christmas lists. And instead of being considered shocking, the images now represent a beautiful and unique bond that many are inspired by.
Those who have fallen in love with an insect have often noted that their partners helped them redefine what it means to be famous and comfortable in their own skin. Whether it was Julianne Moore’s 2006 portrayal of an eccentric, child-loving spider goddess in the critically acclaimed film Animal Kingdom or Jennifer Lawrence’s 2012 romantic comedy Love is Strange, the stigma that surrounds being famous is being challenged by those who are open to new ideas and are looking for ways to break free from their current situation. Animal Kingdom director Will Wright once said of Moore’s character, “You could argue she is the most famous woman in the world. She’s written a best-selling book, has a line of clothing named after her, and was featured on the cover of Vogue. It wasn’t easy for her to find love in this modern world, and she really struggled with it.” He continued, “What I loved about the story was that, at the end of the film, she’s not necessarily happy. But she has this sense of purpose, this mission to find love.”
Of course, being a celebrity is a double-edged sword. You have your admirers, but you also have your haters. And for those who despise you, there’s always the chance that you could become a victim of revenge porn or hacked emails, as was the case for Jennifer Lawrence and her scorned ex-boyfriend Benedict Cumberbatch. (The pair eventually mended their ways and remain good friends.)
Where Do These Crushes End?
Although love and infatuation are exciting and new feelings for most, it’s not uncommon for some to wonder where these feelings will lead. Sadly, just like with many other faddish pursuits, there is a dark side to these celebrity crushes. Just because somebody is infatuated with an insect doesn’t mean that they’re prepared to deal with the consequences of their actions. Being in a relationship with somebody who has serious issues with self-image and body image can lead to dangerous consequences, especially if the behavior is not addressed and resolved. Those who play with fire often get burned.
Because of this, we advise all those who are considering a relationship with an insect to be extra cautious. It’s not always easy to tell if somebody is in need of help or if they’re just seeking attention. The latter tends to be the case with those whose self-image is more closely tied to their celebrity status. In these instances, a person with an eating disorder may be looking for someone to help them shed their imperfections for the sake of the paparazzi. The line can be quite thin between love and obsession, and those who cross it rarely manage to do so comfortably. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially when you’re dealing with somebody who is emotionally unstable.
The Future Of Celebrity Ant-Lover Relationships
Although many of Hollywood’s most eligible bachelors have been linked to romance with an insect, it is not a trend that is going to continue. Thanks to the pandemic and the increasing popularity of veganism, it seems that people are seeking healthier alternatives for their love interests. And what could be more natural and healthy than an organic romance with an earthworm? We couldn’t think of a better companion for a romantic evening stroll.
Maybe one day we’ll see a comeback for the “in” love interest. But for now, we’re content to leave you with this beautiful quote by John Keats: “And be these lines a warning to those who think themselves too happy in their lovers’ embraces.”