Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal and the politics of celebrity gossip

(HMG) – The usually reliable People Magazine had to eat a little crow after breaking the story that Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal had split-up, after one of it’s rivals, US Magazine, turned the tables on them. US Magazine quickly countered with their own story saying the break-up rumor was false after talking to Reese’s spokesperson, who said, “They have not split.” I have noticed for years how People Magazine has quickly doused hot rumors by rivals, with a quick counter story of their own using a stars spokesperson to deny the story. I say ‘using’ because I think in some cases it’s obvious there is merit to a story (the early Madonna wants a divorce from Guy Ritchie rumors comes to mind), but reps are often instructed to deny to protect their clients and perhaps manage a better timing to admit the truth. It’s a win-win for magazines like People to do this, because it builds points and perhaps cooperation with the star and their spokesperson in the future, while taking a rival’s exclusive story down a peg. Kudos to People though on how they handled getting their story blown up. The magazine soon followed with a new story, saying the status of the Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal relationship remains unclear – and proceeded to focus on the couples ups and downs pointing to a possible breakup. Apparently the big tension is Jakey wants to marry right now, but Reese who by all accounts seems to call the shots in this relationship, likes things just how they are and isn’t ready to commit yet.