NO SUCH THING How did celebrity rumors spread before social media? (w/ Panic World)
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Nov 5, 2025 
This week features Ryan Broderick, journalist and host of Panic World, along with researcher Charlotte de Bakker, who specializes in gossip studies. They explore bizarre rumors like Ciara's intersex claim and the Jenkum panic of the 90s. Ryan traces how misinformation spreads through media, while Charlotte explains the psychological reasons behind celebrity slander. They also dissect the Marilyn Manson rib-removal myth and how societal fears shape such stories, revealing the intriguing dynamics of modern rumor culture.
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Rumors Target Rising Female Stars
- Celebrity rumors often latch onto gender and sexuality to punish or explain female artists' rising power.
- Ciara's 'intersex' rumor amplified as she gained success and wrote assertive songs like Goodies.
Ciara's Rise And The Gossip Backdrop
- Ciara rose from College Park, Atlanta, formed a group called Hearsay, and co-wrote the demo that became '1, 2 Step.'
- The song Goodies and collaborations with Missy Elliott framed her as a sex symbol and fueled gossip.
Oprah As A Credibility Anchor
- Misremembered high-profile appearances (like 'Oprah') act as credibility anchors for rumors.
- Many people falsely believed Ciara had addressed the rumor on Oprah, creating a Mandela-effect spread.