Stars Spark A Smoking Revival – But Is It A Trend Worth Lighting Up?

The Stars Are Lighting Up Again

It seems like cigarettes are making a comeback in the world of glitz and glamor. Pop star Addison Rae's 2025 hit, "Headphones On," croons about needing a cigarette to feel better, while Lorde's track "What Was That" reminisces about the "best cigarette of my life." These tunes are just the tip of the iceberg. Sabrina Carpenter has been turning heads with her fashion choices, notably photographed wearing a corset made from Marlboro Gold packages and selling shirts with cigarette-themed designs.

On the big screen, cigarettes and cigars are making a noticeable return. A recent report from Truth Initiative and NORC at the University of Chicago highlighted that nearly half of all movies released last year featured tobacco products, a 10% rise from the year before. With more celebrities embracing smoking openly, the cultural stigma seems to be fading – a trend that has antismoking advocates on edge.

“I find that concerning, glamorous, attractive people smoking cigarettes,” remarked Ollie Ganz, an assistant professor at the Rutgers School of Public Health.

Smoke Break: A Retro Appeal

Despite smoking rates in the U.S. being at historic lows, with the CDC noting a significant drop over the years, the allure of cigarettes hasn't completely faded. Maddie Bell, a 21-year-old college senior, admits to picking up the habit after being intrigued by cultural icons like Julian Casablancas. "Cigarettes looked cool," she confessed. Her occasional puff during weekend parties turned into a regular habit after a semester abroad.

Social media is also playing its part. Jared Oviatt, who runs the Instagram account @cigfluencers, has been documenting celebrity smokers since 2021. The account, which boasts over 83,700 followers, showcases stars like Dua Lipa and Lily Allen indulging in a smoke. Oviatt believes that the decline in smoking's popularity led to vaping's rise, which is now paving the way for cigarettes' resurgence.

Timeless or Troubling?

The debate over smoking's resurgence is heating up. While some view it as a timeless act, others, like Dr. Nancy Rigotti from Harvard Medical School, emphasize the dangers. "Cigarettes are dangerous... the smoke kills with heart disease, lung disease, and cancer," she warned. Despite this, the retro appeal of smoking continues to capture the imagination of many, particularly the youth.

Big tobacco companies like Altria and Reynolds are keeping a close watch, ensuring that their brands aren't used in media without permission. Meanwhile, creative consultants like Matthew Daniel Siskin see a market among younger consumers for niche brands like Hestia.

For many, like Maddie Bell, smoking is a social activity, a habit that's "hard to kick," even as the risks are well-known. As the trend persists, the question remains – is this resurgence a fleeting fashion or a troubling trend that needs addressing?