For a brief but glorious moment in 2023, the internet was abuzz with a wild, unexpected rumor: Bill Murray and Kelis were dating. The idea of the 74-year-old comedy icon linked romantically to the 45-year-old singer behind “Milkshake” seemed so outlandish that it became instantly viral. Now, nearly two years later, Murray is finally setting the record straight — but in true Bill Murray fashion, he’s doing it with a wink, a joke, and a surprising amount of fondness for the whole experience.
During a lively appearance on SiriusXM’s Sway in the Morning on February 28, Murray took the opportunity to reminisce about the bizarre yet hilarious rumor. While promoting his new film Riff Raff, Murray not only debunked the dating speculation but also shared how the unexpected gossip gave his social standing an amusing boost. It was a rare glimpse into Murray’s quirky, self-deprecating humor — and a reminder that sometimes, the best stories are the ones you couldn’t make up.
An Unlikely Connection Sparks a Viral Sensation
Bill Murray’s connection to Kelis wasn’t plucked out of thin air — it started with a genuine appreciation for her work. The actor recalled first seeing Kelis in the music video for Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s 1999 hit “Got Your Money,” where the then-rising star’s striking red hair and bold personality instantly caught his attention. The video, which blends humor with a chaotic hip-hop aesthetic, was the perfect entry point for someone like Murray, whose own brand of humor thrives on unpredictability.
As Murray explained, the video captivated him so much that he became curious about the singer herself. That curiosity eventually led to an introduction, and while they may not have become romantically involved, it did spark an unexpected friendship. “I just had to meet her sometime,” Murray admitted, calling Kelis “spectacular.” It’s a word he rarely uses — and one that hints at genuine admiration, even if romance was never in the cards.
The comedian’s candid recollection highlighted not just his affection for Kelis, but also his bemusement at how quickly the internet spun their friendly connection into a full-fledged dating rumor. Murray, never one to shy away from a joke at his own expense, admitted that the rumor “really raised my cred,” leaving the Sway in the Morning hosts in stitches.
Kelis’ Classy Clapbacks and Social Media Shenanigans
Kelis, no stranger to public scrutiny, handled the swirling gossip with her signature blend of humor and confidence. When Instagram commenters bombarded her posts in June 2023 with questions about her alleged romance with Murray, she didn’t shy away from responding — but she made it clear she wasn’t losing any sleep over the speculation.
“Lol no babe, I wouldn’t bother at all,” she quipped in response to one particularly bold comment asking her to “address these Bill Murray allegations.” Her casual dismissal was equal parts playful and dismissive, perfectly in line with her laid-back public persona.
In another comment, Kelis doubled down on her refusal to take the rumors seriously. When a fan lamented that “media is destroying y’all,” she corrected the record with a dose of perspective: “We are both blessed, rich and happy. So who’s really laughing?” It was a masterclass in reclaiming the narrative — reminding fans that not every headline warrants a serious response.
A Match Made in Meme Heaven
What made the Bill Murray and Kelis rumors so irresistible was how completely unexpected they were. In an era where celebrity couples are often curated for maximum compatibility — or at least social media synergy — this pairing defied every conventional rule. The internet couldn’t get enough, precisely because it made so little sense.
And yet, when Murray joked during his Sway in the Morning interview that “one of us could be on the rebound any second,” it was hard not to root for the possibility — however slim — that these two eccentric, larger-than-life personalities might someday cross romantic paths. Even if they never actually dated, their playful reactions to the speculation gave fans the next best thing: the ultimate “what if?” love story.
The Odd Couple That Captured the Internet’s Imagination
In the end, Bill Murray and Kelis didn’t need to date to make headlines — all they had to do was exist in the same story for a moment, and the internet did the rest. For Murray, the viral rumor was a fleeting but entertaining reminder that sometimes, life hands you the most unexpected publicity boost. For Kelis, it was an opportunity to show that no matter how wild the headlines, she’s still the one in control of her own story.
The brief media frenzy may be over, but it left behind a legacy of laughs, memes, and a reminder that the most unlikely pairings often make the most unforgettable stories. And if nothing else, it proved that Bill Murray — even at 74 — is still full of surprises.