Zendaya, Leo & he 25-year rule: The Emmys joke that sparked a million memes

Ah, Hollywood, the land of glitz, glamour, and... ageist jokes? Rewinding the reel, we're taking you back to one of the most hilariously uncomfortable moments of the 2022 Emmys. When it comes to controversial tabloid fodder, who better to headline than Leonardo DiCaprio with a splash of Zendaya for added flair?

The Infamous 25-Year 'Rule'

For the uninitiated, the Leo dating debate has been an enduring tale. Rumor mills continuously churn out that DiCaprio, the heartthrob of many a generation, prefers his dates under the age of 25. Such gossip naturally finds its way to comedic stages, and the Emmys were no exception.

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Kenan Thompson, adorned with the honor of host, took the night by storm and dropped the joke that left everyone in splits, albeit with some shades of discomfort. Pointing towards the phenomenal Zendaya, Kenan quipped, “Zendaya just turned 26. Young enough to play a high school student, but too old to date Leonardo DiCaprio.” The room erupted in laughter, and the internet, of course, followed suit.

A Legacy of Laughter & Debate

While for many it was a mere punchline, others dived into deeper debates, questioning the moral fabric behind DiCaprio's supposed dating habits. Is it simply personal preference, or is there a broader implication at play? The internet was, and continues to be, split.

The actor's past relationship with model/actress Camila Morrone is often cited in these arguments. The couple called it quits shortly after Morrone hit the 25-year milestone, adding fuel to the speculative fire. Morrone, however, had once stated, “There are so many relationships in Hollywood… where people have large age gaps. I just think anyone should be able to date who they want to date.”

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This intriguing mix of Hollywood drama peppered with iconic personalities like Naomi Campbell, Blake Lively, and Rihanna connected to DiCaprio's name adds to the tapestry of his colorful dating life.

As the 2022 Emmys are now a part of the nostalgic annals of entertainment history, the hilarious yet thought-provoking Zendaya-Leo moment stands out. It was not just a comedic jab but a reflection of Hollywood's ongoing tussle with ageism, relationships, and the constant glare of public scrutiny.

And so, as we laugh and ponder in equal measure, let's remember that in Hollywood, even a joke can set the stage for a larger dialogue.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)