Breaking up is hard to do, and it’s arguably even harder during a pandemic. While last year, we at InsideHook advocated for the rehabilitation of the breakup text over the reportedly growing trend of “Zumping” — a nauseating buzzword for breaking up with someone over Zoom — it seems some relationship enders have found a more creative way of breaking the news to their soon-to-be exes in the age of social distancing: getting a celebrity to do it.
According to The New York Times, people have been breaking up with their partners via Cameo, a service through which fans can pay celebrities and public figures to record a message to be sent to a desired recipient. Typically, these messages are well wishes — congratulations, happy birthdays, get well soons, etc. But a growing trend has reportedly found some of the platform’s talent delivering less joyful tidings.
The Times traces the rise of the Cameo breakup back to early 2019, when comedian and former RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant Caldwell Tidicue filmed a fictional Cameo breakup that went viral on social media. But while it may have started as a joke, breaking up via Cameo has reportedly become a reality for many who have taken to the platform to break the news of a desired breakup or divorce to their partner.
According to the Times, Sugar Ray frontman Mark McGrath has become a surprisingly popular choice for Cameo users looking to offload their breakup responsibilities onto a celeb. McGrath told the paper he has delivered 15 Cameo breakups, though he rejects a role as the “face of breakup Cameo.”
“In a million years, I would not accept that role,” he told the Times. “I’m doing these Cameos for fun! I wouldn’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings.”
Other celebrities on the platform have reportedly jumped at the opportunity to be the bearer of breakups. Matthew Perry has made it clear that he’s more than willing “to leave divorce messages — any kind of messages you guys want,” while Trump impressionist J-L Cauvin said he’s still hoping to get a divorce request before the 45th president leaves office.
So if you’re looking for a creative way to deliver some potentially devastating news to a loved one while distancing yourself from the fallout, it turns out you can just pay a celebrity to do it. At the end of the day, there’s never been a “good” way to break up with someone, so, honestly, why the hell not have Chandler from Friends do it for you?
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