Gwen Stefani ‘wants to convince fans her odd match marriage is strong – but new post is too hasty to diffuse doubt’
GWEN Stefani's latest attempt to shut down rumors about the state of her marriage was unconvincing, a psychologist has claimed.
She said the clue lies in the pop star's social media, where Blake Shelton has been forgotten through the couple's "tough times."
Gwen, 54, shared a Polaroid on on Monday showing her embracing Blake, 47.
The words, "Never knew a love like this," were written in purple - and a bouquet of irises sat next to the pic.
Gwen’s post came amid growing speculation that her marriage was in trouble.
Psychologist claimed the pop star had hoped to "allay doubts."
“The words and Polaroid are to allay doubts," Hemmings told The U.S. Sun.
"But fans have not seen this sort of image of them together for a while.
"There is bound to be more speculation now."
The rumors intensified when Gwen and Blake celebrated New Year apart with their friends.
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Blake performed at Nashville's Big Bash, while Gwen put on a show in Las Vegas.
Commenting on yesterday's pic, one fan wrote, “Hope you guys are still together?"
“I just want you to be happy so badly. I felt your pain in tragic kingdom," said another.
Hemmings suggested why Gwen's efforts to convince fans may have failed.
"Gwen's post is her saying that their marriage is strong," she said.
"But she only posted this to convince the doubters that they are misinterpreting any clues about the state of her marriage.
"It is simple and romantic, designed to prove their happiness.
“The difficulty is that Gwen's other Instagram posts are all photos of her looking glamorous, working, or in the media.
It is not enough to convince people that Gwen and Blake's relationship is still happy
Jo Hemmings
"There is very little reference to her husband at all.
"So it's a 'one swallow doesn’t make a summer' phenomenon.
"This was a hastily put-together post by Gwen to diffuse speculation.
"It is not enough to convince people that Gwen and Blake's relationship is still happy."
The mom of three met Blake in 2014 when they judged together on The Voice.
At the time, Gwen was splitting from Gavin Rossdale and Blake from Miranda Lambert.
"It was the most unlikely situation to ever happen," Gwen told in 2016.
"It was an incredible gift to be able to have a friend," she added.
"It was just unbelievable that God would put us in the position to have each other at that moment, in the exact same moment."
Ultimately, Gwen and Blake married in 2021 at their Oklahoma ranch.
At first, the couple regularly performed PDA on red carpets and at other events.
But by December 2023, after Blake quit The Voice that May, the pair seemed to be spending more and more time apart.
The Don't Speak singer appeared to delete videos of the couple from her social media profile.
She also posted a clip of herself looking somber.
Hemmings said that the flowers in her recent post were Gwen trying to be uplifting, but the emoji was telling.
"Gwen chose irises in the recent image, " she said.
"These flowers represent faith, hope, courage, and admiration.
"Gwen is saying that they have been through some tough times.
There seems to be more meaning in the emoji than in the irises
Jo Hemmings
"The post also says they are determined to make it through together.
"But the emojis are a hyacinth.
"Purple hyacinths, in particular, mean sorrow and looking for forgiveness.
"So there seems to be more meaning in the emoji than in the irises."
Since meeting and marrying, Gwen and Blake seemed mismatched to many fans and followers.
Gwen shares her three sons - Kingston, 17; Zuma, 15; and Apollo, 9 - with her ex-husband Gavin Rossdale, 58.
Blake has also been married but does not have any kids.
Their lifestyles also seemed different, with Blake appearing disinterested in fashion and anything glamorous.
The country star hosts Barmageddon, a bar-themed celebrity game show.
By contrast, glam pop diva and No Doubt singer Gwen is into hair, makeup, and health.
"We're so different, yet we're so the same on so many levels," Gwen admitted to in 2022.
Hemmings said they do seem to share different ambitions.
"They are an old couple in many ways," she said.
"They have very different styles – his country, her blonde glam.
"Maybe these differences and the pressures of working in differing environments cause pressure between them.
"They may not be able to understand the ambitions of the other.
"If I were to advise, I would say Gwen could be more consistent with images of her and Blake.
"Also supporting each other and being seen together more would help her message.
"Her fans some have suggested that they are validating their relationship.
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"But others are still left thinking she is suggesting a different meaning.
"It is as if they have some announcement to make."
