Benedict Cumberbatch covers Flaunt with no dragonflies in sight: hot or not?

bendy flaunt

Benedict Cumberbatch got some high-profile magazine covers to promote The Imitation Game. In addition to his Out Magazine cover profile (we covered that yesterday), we’re still waiting on his Elle UK special edition, and they’ve already promised us an eight-page editorial plus an in-depth interview. Bendy also covers the new issue of Flaunt, and I’m kind of tired of waiting to see quotes from this piece, so that’s why I’m covering it now. Plus, some of you have already read the profile and claim it’s not all that.

So, enjoy these Flaunt photos, plus an extra Cumberp0rny video from Flaunt. Benedict talks about… something. I wasn’t really paying attention because of his hands and arms and the way he positions his body. And I thank the Cumberlord for allowing Benedict to do all of the TIG photoshoots while he still had his Cumbercurls. I would be super-depressed if I had to see tons of photos with Benedict’s terrible short hair.

PS… Tom Hiddleston did a Flaunt cover editorial a few years back which became rather infamous, mostly because of the dragonfly theme. That is when I started referring to the Hiddlestoners as Dragonflies. Will Benedict’s Flaunt editorial become that iconic? Probably not. But I still enjoyed it.

bendy3

Photos courtesy of Flaunt.

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278 Responses to “Benedict Cumberbatch covers Flaunt with no dragonflies in sight: hot or not?”

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  1. Tara says:

    Is that the same white mesh shirt he’s wearing in one of the OUT magazine photos? Interesting.

    He looks good. I like the hair longer like this, too.

    And thanks for the Dragonfly explanation. I was wondering where that came from…

    • MissMary says:

      It looks like the one on the Flaunt pics is a ribbed undershirt rather than mesh, but I’m not 100% sure.

    • delorb says:

      I thought dragonfly came from the school he attended. Color me surprised when I found out.

  2. MissMary says:

    Ever since I read his comment a year or so ago about making sure his hands are visible in some shots for photo shoots since “fans like that,” I always look at how many shots have his hands in odd positions like he’s just reaching for something or he’s fixing his hair in an awkward way. It makes me giggle.

    That said, I really do like these pics.

    • An says:

      I always feel like he doesn’t know what to do with them in fan photos.

    • Etheldreda says:

      And I thought I was the only one with a hand fetish! Nice to know I’m in good company!

      I don’t find Cumberbatch attractive in general. But my goodness, those hands……!

      • LadySlippers says:

        •Etheldreda•

        I have a HUGE hand fetish. I lurve me some male hand p0rn…

        *drools*

      • Etheldreda says:

        Then we have something in common, lol!

        Men’s hands are lovely, and Benedict’s are quite possibly the loveliest of all. They look like they were sculpted from the finest marble. You see? THOSE hands are even making me poetic!

      • Tippet says:

        The hands! The haaaaaands

        HAAAAAAAAAANDS /passes out

      • LadySlippers says:

        •Etheldreda•

        😍 Men’s Hands 😍

        They have saved me from many a boring lecture or sermon… Hehehe… I really adore men’s hands. As for poetry, I can’t say that’s where MY mind goes upon viewing them. 😉

        •Tippet•

        Smelling salts dearie???

        *passes salts under Tippet’s nose*

      • Etheldreda says:

        ” As for poetry, I can’t say that’s where MY mind goes upon viewing them”

        Well, yes….

        Benedict’s hands do get me thinking about….. things….. which have nothing whatsoever to do with marble or poetry. But since this is a nice respectable website I thought it best not to indulge my inner feelings. Nice to see I’m not the only one, however!

      • LadySlippers says:

        •Etheldreda•

        Let’s compromise. We’ll call it ‘poetry’, sound good???? 😎

        And if you look further down the comments, I realise that perhaps ‘poetry’ IS a good description. 😜

        It’s nice to know that other women (I’m assuming here! Lol) like men’s hands. Women usually laugh and say “Whatever floats your boat!”. But men are frankly gobsmacked and can’t comprehend why a woman would like *hands*. Lol

    • Nic says:

      When did he say that, mm?

    • Anne tommy says:

      The one with the glass is beyond cheesy…

    • anon says:

      He does have several “stock” poses and faces. Perhaps I’ll compile a list. For posterity.

  3. Toot says:

    Awww, there’s Otter-Alien Man. lol

  4. Kiddo says:

    He’s holding an invisible bottle in his left hand.

  5. InvaderTak says:

    Well THAT was rude of TH. *huffs* as much as they undoubtedly argue about BC’s somewhat lacking fashion sense the least Mr. BestDressed could do is loan him the jacket!

    • LadySlippers says:

      •InvaderTak•

      No no, let the King of DragonFlies keep his jacket. However, clearly someone could have given Benny another iconic jacket. The cover photo would be much improved with owls.

      😉

      • jammypants says:

        maybe he can fulfill his otter destiny!

      • Lilacflowers says:

        There can only be one King of the Dragonflies and he shouldn’t have to share his pretty clothes since he has so few of them. Well, unless he wants to wrap is up in them, for warmth and stuff. He can share with us, so long as he is in them.

        The King of the Otters needs to get his own iconic jacket.

      • 'P'enny says:

        Actually give dragon fly coat away – no fan 😜 however, I’d love to see benny in more cringe worthy photoshoots. He’s taking hiddles crown for most silly pose – look at that empty glass pose. Someone fill it up for him & give him a fag too. However the Out photos – even bare feet one were spiffing lovely❤️

      • LadySlippers says:

        •jammypants•

        Maybe it’s an owl destiny… Just sayin’…

        😉

        •Lilacflowers•

        I had not thought of the scarcity of wardrobe for the Dragonfly King. Good point.

        Every King (and Queen) should be awarded their own iconic piece of clothing. It positively ruins their image otherwise. And we can’t let THAT happen. Tsk Tsk.

        •’P’enny•

        No, the Dragonfly King should keep his jacket, as •Lilac• above pointed out, he has so few items in his wardrobe (scandalous really).

        My issue with a few pics (not many) in both of these shoots is that he looks awkward/uncomfortable/too posed. Which kinda is a let down for me. Let our Benny Boy soar to the heavens with any photo shoot!

        (Perhaps •Etheldreda’s• poetic inspiration is indeed influencing my writing. Need to ponder this…😉)

      • icerose says:

        Tom should keep his dragonfly coat, I have a spot for it and it suits his dorky ethereal image. Besides he can pull off sparkles in away that others cannot,

        Definitely an otter jacket for Benny but they are quite big and would loose theie essence if you decreased them in size. Perhaps a jacket with ferrets running up the sleeves and down the back would work as well.

        @LadySlippers I tend to agree with you. I thought he looked more relaxed in the OUT photos

        @Jimmy pants Sorry the only person who is allowed an owl coat Alan Rickman

      • Lilacflowers says:

        Great, now I will spend the day thinking of Alan Rickman in an owl frock coat discussing the art of villainy with the Dragonfly king

      • icerose says:

        @Lilacs love the picture but I am now wondering what Strong and Ben Kinsley will be wearing. Certainly for Strong’s should something dark and prow;ling -I am thinking Armani with panthers embossed on the collar.

      • Lilacflowers says:

        @icerose: Strong? Why, a long, black leather jacket with a black panther circling the neck. Sir Ben is King of the Tigers. Sean in the boot isn’t king of anything because Gondor needs no king.

  6. Green Eyes says:

    Since I cross-ref’ed stories yesterday with BC (Bill Murray and Benedict), I’d like to cross-ref two stories from today: Why can’t BC find a woman like Frances McDormand?! She’s so unbelievably awesome:, honest and down-to-earth, just the type I’d like to see BC with. a woman more age-appropriate, of course, so there can be many CumberTots, but you get what I mean.

    • EleanorRigby says:

      I think we all saw his trajectory these past couple of years curve towards posh dilettante. Looks like he found her. Yippie.

    • Nic says:

      How I wish he’d do a bill Murray and give Weinstein the proverbial middle finger.

      • Charlie says:

        I think Benedict would die for an Oscar. I honestly thing he’s ready to hustle as much as he needs to.

  7. Ciria says:

    I do not find him attractive at all.

  8. KMS1017 says:

    The video though. When he is staring into the mirror fixing the cuffs of his sleeves, the look on his face is just pure sex to me.

    • delorb says:

      I came here to post the same thing. That video is kinda like porn. So hot. And who cares if the interview isn’t all that. Just look at all the pretty pictures. LOL

  9. Suzy from Ontario says:

    I think he looks amazing in these photos. Love the one with the glass.

  10. FLORC says:

    Something about hispositioning makes me think skeezy. Cover his face and nothing seems attractive in the body language.

    • LadySlippers says:

      •Florc•

      Hello my dear!

      I don’t get skeevy vibes from certain photos; however I often think he looks uncomfortable. Ya know?

      • FLORC says:

        It’s the open jacket, white tank underneath. Maybe that’s it. And appearing to wear no socks with loafers(?). That’s not helping either. All that on top of how his body is positioned. It’s a pose I’d imagine a skeevy person to take.

        Something nice… The last 2 Cumby posts that have hot or not options are showing Cumby is more attractive than the majority.

        And what’s with the dragonflies? Is that his followers on twitter now?

      • LadySlippers says:

        •Florc•

        Dragonflies became the CB term* for Hiddlestoners (fans/stans of TH). He wore a Dragonfly jacket in a photoshoot that Kaiser alluded to in her above post. Usually (although not always) both BC and TH will get some fun posters that really make CB fun — it gets VERY silly and not at all serious. 😊 Hence some of my silly comments!

        *Seriously, we need a CB dictionary to help newbies and established posters get some of our ‘inside jokes’.

      • Lilacflowers says:

        @FLORC, the King of the Dragonflies in the dragonfly jacket http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/f0/61/5f/f0615fa701af348b446cdc1a0e8452d7.jpg

  11. Syko says:

    Not hot. Never is.

    • Green Eyes says:

      So why bother posting? To show how snarky you are? Here’s a thought: when you see a thread you have no interest in – don’t click!! There, that was easy!

      • Ciria says:

        Yes but we all have a right to post here. It’s not snark. It’s just that many of us do not find him attractive and voice that. It’s how I feel about Kim Kardashian, too.

      • MountainRunner says:

        I like reading the variety of opinions on him — As long as people aren’t mean about it. Plenty of women don’t find him attractive in face, but love other aspects of him (his voice, humor, acting, HANDS!). I like that not everyone is worshiping the quicksand he walks on since no one deserves that. Hence why I come here rather than follow anyone on social media — I gag on the 100% fawning that goes on there.

      • Mathilda says:

        The best thing to do in these cases is not comment.

      • Shantal says:

        Bandersnatch stans are so extra. People can comment on anything they want, and people make much worse comments in posts about other celebs.

      • Syko says:

        Gee, Green Eyes, sorry to have offended you so much. You too, Mathilda. I stupidly thought Kaiser was asking for an opinion. So I shouldn’t give mine if it doesn’t agree with yours? Wow.

      • MountainRunner says:

        Opinionate, girls and stop thinking that someone must agree or be positive to post. For those that are confused as to why he’s drooled over, they feel a little less like the odd-lady out when someone reflects the same reaction. Personally, I see both sides when it comes to BC and as long as the comment isn’t mean, the nay-sayers should feel free to express theirs.

      • Etheldreda says:

        Agree with the posters above. This is Celebitchy, not Hello magazine. We don’t have to fawn over people just because they’re famous, and with many celebs, most of the posts are ‘snarky’. Not sure why Benedict should be made an exception, especially when the thread is specifically asking us if we find him ‘hot or not’.

      • FLORC says:

        As long as the comments aren’t fueled by hate and you aren’t attacking someone’s natural physical features no one should have an issue.
        That’s the issue I take with some on say a KK thread. The comments have such hatred and wishes for harm to come to them. That’s the line that gets crossed from opinions to promoting hate and harm on others.

  12. EleanorRigby says:

    He looks very handsome although a bit awkward in some of these photos. He’s figured out the “bedroom, now” face which is pleasing.

  13. Dancinnancy says:

    Looks like they photoshopped a cigarette out of his hand.

    • gg says:

      Can you even smoke in London pubs any more? (These were taken at his local, The Stag)

      • AG-UK says:

        No you cannot. They huddle outside in the rain/cold arms folded back hunched freezing and smoking. Does make eating in the nice pubs better but forget the gardens WHEN it is warm full of smokers.

  14. KMS1017 says:

    @dancinnacy-it does, doesn’t it? If that is the case, they could have asked benedict not to smoke while shooting, if they didn’t want to endorse smoking or whatever.
    All I can think of now is a photoshoot of him sitting in a chair smoking from a couple years ago. One of my personal fav of his. I don’t know how benedict makes smoking look so freakin hot.

  15. jammypants says:

    Nice cover. Way better shoot than OUT.

  16. Catherinski says:

    Hot. Always.

  17. allheavens says:

    Cumberbatch looks very feline in the cover photo, those eyes.

    When I meet someone the first thing I look at is their shoes and the next is their hands. Cumby does have beautiful and very large hands.

    Unfortunately I’ve pretty much destroyed mine gardening without gloves. Oh well, such is life.

  18. Cumberbabe says:

    I <3 this man.

  19. Kazlock 1307 says:

    Has he been filming this week?Not heard anything since his return from Edinburgh.

    • MissMary says:

      Lots of folks have reported filming in Wales for Richard III.

      • Kazlock 1307 says:

        Thanks MissMary.
        Wasn’t sure if he was back filming or shacked up in his love nest with SH.
        Unless anyone’s seen her in Wales???

      • MissMary says:

        No one has said anything about her in Wales or anywhere else. Not even in scotland, unless they’re a super pressed SH-stan. He’s been seen with Judi Dench and also going about his business in town when not filming, and that’s it.

      • Kazlock 1307 says:

        Hallelujah!! Likely she isn’t there then….thank heavens!!
        Could we start an appeal to find her a nice job???
        Far,far away….

      • Kazlock 1307 says:

        BC will be back in London for tomorrow’s Flaunt party.
        SH appearance do you think?.Or Karon?

      • Linz says:

        @Kazlock.

        The Flaunt Party is on Sunday.

      • Kazlock 1307 says:

        EB have posted a pic of BC having dinner,when he was filming BM.One of the anons is trying to say it was SH with him.I can’t remember it being posted at the time.Very grainy picture.
        And another rambling post says a girl positively identified SH.Not sure where or who she was with.Any ideas?Anything on Twitter?

      • Linz says:

        @Kazlock.

        I am sorry, but are you kind of obsessed with that blog or something? Cause you are always bringing it up on here. As for the dinner pic. Sophie was not even on the radar then. There were a couple of reports that he was seen with a blonde (most likely Juno Temple) But other than that he hung out with Joel Edgerton, the cast & crew. Benedict went a lot of places by himself and/or with a guide in Boston.

        As for the girl “positively identifying” Sophie. They are talking about the girl who was on the flight with Benedict.

      • MissMary says:

        If I were a sockpuppet kind of gal, I’d set up a twitter called “Wasthisher” and just make all the posts pics of famous and semi-famous brunettes. When someone posts they met BC, send them a link to the tweets and say “Any of these women with him?” just to see who they pick.

      • Kazlock 1307 says:

        @Linz
        I am sort if obsessed, yeah.Sorry.But I’m not on Twitter, other than EB,Tumblr seems to be a lot of pictures and no talk.
        I’m aware most of EB is bs,which is why when something seems odd or confusing, I ask here.
        I’m sorry if it’s p*****g you off.If you’d rather,I’ll stay away from here.

      • MissMary says:

        I don’t think anyone is asking you to stay off here, Kazlock! EB has some pretty wtf stuff, from what I’ve gathered, and it’s a hotbed of some pretty intense opinions on what is and isn’t going on in BC’s life/career.

      • Kazlock 1307 says:

        Thanks MissMary.
        Some if the posters are very intense in their opinion. And a lot of things mention Twitter as their origin(allegedly).Which is why I ask here for clarification/confirmation.I don’t have a Twitter account.
        Sorry for being a pain the arse.Thanks to all of you for your help and patience.

      • Tara says:

        Kazlock- Stay here, leave EB! haha. It just seems like a massive amount of rumors and speculation over there. You’ll drive yourself crazy trying to sort the truth from the fiction 🙂

        Fwiw, I doubt SH would be with him in Wales while he’s filming (unless she has some sort of official job on the project). And we’ll just have to wait and see if she’s around at the Flaunt party, as well. It’s anybody’s guess these days.

        MissMary- I was thinking along those lines, too- the next person who sees him ‘with a brunette’, send them a picture of a woman who isn’t SH, just to see what they say. Haha.

  20. KMS1017 says:

    @kazlock- I’m pretty certain karon will be there. Since he is hosting/being honored at this party, I’m sure he will get to invite close friends and family. we will have to wait and see if miss hunter is in attendance or not.

    • Tara says:

      So, Flaunt magazine is throwing him a party? Why? Just b/c he is on the cover? Lol. Do they do this for every issue?

    • MissMary says:

      No, the party is for that one issue (the Grind issue) and I’m sure having BC “host” is a nice boost for their brand, as well as keeping his face public for pr (i’d bet my last dime that Karon et al worked hard with Flaunt to make sure this happened, and the PR firm handling the VIP and party itself is no doubt pleased as punch). When celebs “host’ these things, it’s basically show up, be seen, say nice things about the mag, don’t be a dick, collect your check/accolades, go on home. This isn’t going to be a garden party so i’m surei t’s mostly industry sorts, some “bright young up and comers” and a few more famous faces, plus Karon and Emily to keep things in check in terms of PR.

  21. KMS1017 says:

    Tara-no clue how these parties work. Just saw on twitter that he is hosting/being honored at this shindig.

    • gg says:

      Seems like a purely work thing, I would doubt he would have any real “guests” there other than Emily and Karon. Unless of course he brings a date but that doesn’t seem likely imo.

      • MissMary says:

        ^^This. My SO used to work for a PR firm here in the states and they specialized in branding and this sort of “celeb hosted” party. Nine times out of ten, it may look all sparkley but it’s work.

      • Kazlock 1307 says:

        He can take the neighbours dog…step up on snooty knickers (SH)!
        He’s back in London I think.Fan posted a pic and FB put it up on a fan page.

  22. Kazlock 1307 says:

    It was mentioned by one if the hosts of last night’s SU2C broadcast, that BC would be on it…..He wasn’t sadly.Just the running clip.

  23. Kazlock 1307 says:

    Is Flaunt party tonight or tomorrow night?

    • MissMary says:

      tonight, I think. Saturday, right?

    • MissMary says:

      Sorry for the DP but nope, I was wrong–the 19th, so Sunday night. sounds like an industry party to me.

      • Kazlock 1307 says:

        Big wigs I’d think.With luck SH will be absent.He was on the Heath yesterday. Fan had a picture taken with him.

      • MissMary says:

        It was a pretty good pic, too! LOL I’d look like a crazy blur, I’m sure, if I ever took a pic with a celeb, from all my jittering.

      • Kazlock 1307 says:

        Me too lol!
        Did the fan say if BC was with anyone?Someone needs to compile a fact sheet of what to do if you ever meet BC!

      • gg says:

        Of course the poor guy was bombarded with people asking “Was he with anyone?” but so far he’s not answering. Probably didn’t even notice LOL. According to his Twitter Simon Pegg ran into him yesterday too.

      • Kazlock 1307 says:

        @GG…Simon Pegg could be SH in disguise!!

      • MissMary says:

        the guy is smart not to answer. It looks like someone asking every 3 hrs, lol, and like maybe they’re sockpuppets too. I saw Simon Pegg’s tweet–made me lol, ngl. He does seem like a hugger.

      • Kazlock 1307 says:

        I’ve no sooner convinced myself there’s nothing going on with them,than some shit makes me rethink my view.
        But BC definatly has more chemistry with Simon Pegg than SH!

      • MissMary says:

        He has more chemistry with his left sock than he seems to have with SH.

      • Kazlock 1307 says:

        @MissMary lol
        If only he’d taken his sock to the premiere instead of SH!

      • MissMary says:

        LOL Well, we don’t know if he “took her” since they were not together according to “reports on the ground”. But he did take his left sock! You can see him longingly itching his left ankle, just waiting for when they can be alone together and he can mend the tear in the toe and make sure it doesn’t lose it’s mate in the wash.

      • Tara says:

        But he’s not wearing socks in this photoshoot. What does that mean?! Have him and his left sock broken up? IS he trying to fool everyone by not being photographed with the sock??? Is he keeping it hidden? #SecretSockConspiracy

        :p

      • Kazlock 1307 says:

        Perhaps his left sock was in Edinburgh Tara?

      • Encumbered says:

        I have to confess I found both his socks at my house….

      • Kazlock 1307 says:

        Encumbered… Just the socks?…….

      • Encumbered says:

        Oh, and a few auburn hairs on the pillow. Thinking of ebaying what he left behind. Any suggestions as to starting price? All for a good cause, of course.

      • MissMary says:

        I say start high–there will always be bidders, lol.

  24. Kazlock 1307 says:

    Starting price would all depend on exactly what kind of hair he left behind….

  25. Kazlock 1307 says:

    GG….we all have smutty minds that’s why lol

    • anon says:

      I have some really curly ones in my bedclothes I could shake out.
      Sorry-working nights makes for a strange sense of humor).

  26. Kazlock 1307 says:

    Serious bit.
    The Daily Fail online have just got hold of BC being in Edinburgh. They’ve written that he went to ask his gf Sophie’s mother for her hand in marriage….

    • MissMary says:

      they got it from seynorita, I’m sure. Or one of the twitters that “tips” tabloids based on tumblr gossip. Seriously, wasn’t he just in Italy to propose to KB? Or was that in France, to hook up with the Polish actress? Oh, wait, no, it was glasto, with Alice Eve, because they were all super serious and “the one” because “insiders knew”. Meh. It’s nothing.

    • gg says:

      Yep, I mentioned up the page. Would not take it seriously. “Ask for her hand”???? Body of the article states as fact that he flew up there to see her mother while the headline uses a question mark. They can’t even make up their OWN mind.

      • MissMary says:

        Tabs seriously get tips (using the term loosely) from fans, from liars, from both, and they also have interns who troll social media. this is a juicy rumor to have and one that would prod some PR to respond. Not all PR but some. I doubt his will respond–Karon et al have a strong history of letting stories die and not giving them energy. Respond to one rumor, another gets run that’s even more wtf or complicated, hoping to draw a response.

      • Kazlock 1307 says:

        Got her name wrong to…and hint that they’ve been a thing since 2009…he was with OP then!!
        Wonder if Senyorita is behind it?

      • MissMary says:

        Yeah, I noticed they were hinting heavily they’d been together since 2009, or been seeing one another since then. I guess Olivia, Anna, LYdia, KE and any of the other women he’s dated on the DL have been a beard for the great and epic SGF experiment? Meh. Daily Fail is so so so thirsty for tea on him b/c he (and his PR) will not respond to rumor. They keep casting out lures and coming up empty handed.

      • anon says:

        The Fail article was lifted almost verbatim from an EB post. Investigative reporting indeed.
        Also-check out Sophie’s Tumblr. 2 pics from a large outside party. Looks French-don’t know why. BC is there in a black mask and fedora. Looks like War Horse outfit but with Sherlock curls. And SH is in the next pic standing behind him. So they’ve definitely hung out in the past.

      • MissMary says:

        @anon: That pic is five years old and from a wedding in NYC, when BC was still with Olivia.

    • Tara says:

      I don’t buy it. Wasn’t it not too long ago that he gave that interview where he said he’s in no hurry to settle down and get married? And he’s been possibly dating SH for all of five months? No way, Jose.

      Unless he *has* been dating her since 2009 and it’s been a reeeally long con. Lol.

      Ten bucks says that the newspaper’s next report is that she’s pregnant.

      • MissMary says:

        Nah, they won’t say pregnant b/c that can be legally actionable since it can negatively impact her, ah, career–it could be argued she lost out on parts b/c casting directors assumed she wouldn’t be able to fulfill the needs of the role.

      • Kazlock 1307 says:

        @Tara
        Oh the pregnancy things been In EB since LFF!That’s the reason the pro SH gave for her not going to the after party.She couldn’t be around alcohol! FFS!
        Another week and it’ll be in the Fail or the Mirror!Only it will be twins..

      • Tara says:

        Lol, that’s interesting, MissMary.

      • MissMary says:

        @Tara: There’s been cases, at least in the states, of women suing for things like that. Rumors of pregnancy causing them to lose out on jobs or impacting their reputation so they bring suit against the rumormonger. Most women just ignore it, ngl, but I think a tab would be careful bringing unfounded rumor of that degree to the fore.

    • Nic says:

      I despair. When will people literally just ignore that ludicrous paper? It’s almost as if however stupid and openly ridiculous what they write is, people will STILL give it consideration. It’s kind of worrying.

      • MissMary says:

        There’s a dedicated group of SH stans that want it to be true so bad, theyre sending “tips ” to tabs based on tumblr gossip and harassing people who have seen BC (and some of his friends, too, in fact, are getting harassing tweets from these people). THey want to make SH happen so bad that they will seize this narrative f rom the Fail as “proof” and sing it from the mountaintops.

      • Felice says:

        The Fail is just weird with their obsession of posting anything about him. They still said he was dating Dakota Johnson when they posted pics with her bf the day before.

      • MissMary says:

        The Fail has a grudge-boner for him. I think. He won’t do interviews with them unless he has to, from what I gather, and his PR won’t give them the time of day, so it seems like they post the most salacious rumors they can find, or the most click-baity, in the hopes of getting a response so they can “scoop” the gossip.

        I think it was this same “columnist” who tried to float lesbian relationship rumors involving Taylor Swift and Karlie Kloss.

      • Felice says:

        I’m sure he has a good laugh and/or eye-roll when someone tells him about it

      • MissMary says:

        @Felice: lol I’m betting an eye roll, if his Out article is any indication of his attitude about this sort of rot. some folks are wharrrgarrbling about how his PR isn’t responding so it MUST be true but really… I can’t think of one PR firm of a legit celeb and not a D-lister or reality t.v. wannabe that responds to this sort of thing. Only if it’d negatively impact a deal or their brand. Like if they said he’d gotten engaged to her octopus or something.

      • Felice says:

        @MissMary I don’t see why people are acting like this is new info that he gets “irritated” when someone recognises him. He mentioned it in Time too when he was filming AOC and he thought no one would recognise him and then he even did a “fan voice.” I’m sure it doesn’t ruin his day but he was working and he was polite to her.

        Yeah he won’t say anything unless it potentially hurts his reputation.

      • MissMary says:

        Yeah he’s never been secretive about the fact he gets annoyed by some fan encounters, esp when he’s working or in an obvious hurry. Personally, I didn’t read his comments in Out as offensive (I’m circling middle aged myself lol, and probably a “Floral”) but I did see them as just being tired of dealing with the public and being “on”.

  27. jane says:

    SH in a car ad, and she actually SMILES! I’m not a fan of her, but I have to admit, she looks lovely. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQdmxBm0Qg4

    • Nic says:

      What’s lovely about that? She’s just..sitting in a car. Also, why is she in a car ad if she’s a theatre director?

      • Tara says:

        Well, why not? It’s a job, and she presumably got paid. If she didn’t have anything else going on, why not do it?

        Perhaps it’s her foray back into the acting world. It’ll be interesting to see what else she pops up in…

      • jane says:

        @Nic – As I said, I’m definitely not a fan, but I do think she’s quite pretty. Not beautiful, just rather blandly pretty. As far as her appearing in a car advert, maybe girlfriend desperately needed some cash. BC is known for his frugality, so perhaps he’s making her pay her own way on these little trips they’ve SUPPOSEDLY been taking together, (Paris, Edinburgh, etc.). LOL! It is interesting that a “thea-tuh” director is taking this kind of work, though. isn’t it?

    • anon says:

      I agree that Sophie looks good in the advert. Interesting that this is happening now. Wonder if BC helped her get the gig. It’s certainly a departure from her previous work.

    • Freebunny says:

      That’s some great improvement in her “acting” carreer.
      She goes from nothing to some car ad, next step “Sherlock”.
      Good job BC!!!!

      • anon says:

        Not only will she act in Sherlock, she will direct Sherlock!
        And for extra snark/silliness coz I just got home from work (south of Boston), it will be -wait for it-the case of the missing octopus!

      • Jany says:

        I’m not saying BC got her that job, I’m just saying BC got her that job. Jaguar was already taken, so there’s that, haha. Well, I kind of hope it’s not trough BC’s contacts, because the last thing I’d want was my much more famous BF getting jobs for me if I didn’t want to come across as a ‘golddigger’. Blegh. Call me a radical feminist or something. Trough a friend would be different, that’s just how the world works sometimes, but not trough someone with a much higher profile who I’ve been dating recently. Old friend or not. Don’t start with the nepotism already, it’s boring… 😉

    • sigh((s)) says:

      Nope, she doesn’t want to be famous at all…..
      *rolls eyes*

    • Nic says:

      @tara

      Well, obviously because it’s quite unusual for someone who’s job is apparently as a theatre director, to be starring in a car advert.

      • Tara says:

        Idk, she seems like she’s into many things in the theatre/art/acting world. It’s not completely out of left field.

      • MissMary says:

        true, true… It strikes me as odd since she’s avoided (by choice or by coincidence) so much commercial work. Since Burlesque Fairy Tales, has she been in anything that could be considered not avant garde or not-indie? Well, I suppose we all have to pay the bills and maybe she’s not borrowing money from her family anymore like she talked about doing in that interview from ages and ages ago. We all gotta eat, after all.

    • gg says:

      Not 100% that is her in the car ad. Isn’t she taller and thinner than that? Of course she could have been doing this kind of thing all along but absolutely no one was paying attention to her until about a month ago.

  28. anon says:

    FYI-the picture of BC in mask w/SH behind him was taken at the eedding of Eloise Fornieles and David Birkin. It was held in 2009 in a mine shaft in Wales and she is wearing antlers on her head under the veil. I shit you not.
    OP was with BC at that time. SH is friends with Eloise and BC is friends with David so they have definitely been in the same circle for years.

    • Linz says:

      @Anon.

      That is not Sophie’s real Tumblr. MissMary already pointed out that the Wedding pic is 5 years old, and that he was with OP at the time.

      Also, Benedict and Sophie have known each other since 2008/2009. They have worked together. So it’s not surprising that they have hung out in the past.

      • MissMary says:

        There’s also some debate as to whether that’s BC in the pic from the wedding or not, but the point remains that it was 5 years ago, when he was with Olivia, and people are trying to make it “proof” he and SH have been together this whole time.

  29. anon says:

    Yeah I agree. 2009 +5years = 2014

  30. Me says:

    Hate to be the bearer of bad news: Getty has pictures of Ben and Sophie out together in London last night. He looks livid. She looks like a deer in headlights. I want to like her but I can’t. And they are making this so much more difficult on themselves than it needs to be.

    • Nic says:

      Why are you the bearer of bad news? And besides, doesn’t even look like they arrived together. IF they are seeing each other, that’s just flat out weird. Besides, I can’t see why he’d be livid, quaglinos is a celeb/pap hotspot. You can hardly be surprised to be snapped if you go there. Also, she’s looking at her phone, so not sure how she looks like a deer in headlights?

      • MissMary says:

        Like I said below, there’s “hot spots” that are *known* by celebs and their PR as pap/photog central and this restaurant is one of ’em in London. It doesn’t look like they even walked in together (maybe they did) but he sure looks like he’s booking it into the restaurant without her at his side–if they’re dating, that’s a sh-tty thing to do. “see ya later, i’m getting a drink, make your own way in!”

  31. Kazlock 1307 says:

    Getty images have pics of BC and SH taken yesterday….
    Not sure if they were together

    • Tara says:

      Most likely taken together.

      Their outfits match. Black and grey. How cute.

      • Nic says:

        Um. No they don’t?

      • Tara says:

        Okay okay, not exactly. But they both got the black and grey memo.

        I like his sweater.

      • Nic says:

        He’s not wearing black.

      • Tara says:

        I was counting the jacket. And who knows, maybe those pants were black once upon a time. Lol.

      • Felice says:

        Where she at though?
        update:
        nvm I found her. Why not together though?

      • MissMary says:

        Most likely reason? they didn’t walk in or out together. A photographer would’ve been all over that action. No matter what is said on EB, tumblr, or twitter, BC is not some god who has control over the media and can decide what pics are and are not taken, esp if it’s just him walking into a place with a date. these are him waking in without her at his side, her in the back of a car, fiddling with her phone. If they’re “together’ this is a weird way of showing it.

      • Tara says:

        I have to admit that I didn’t think it was weird for her to leave that hotel ahead of him at the LFF premiere, or ride in a separate car, or not walk the carpet with him. It was a big event and they didn’t want to do it together. Fine.

        But going out to dinner on a Saturday night? There’s nothing special about that. And if they are in a relationship and they walk in/out of the place separately b/c they don’t want to be seen together, then that really is ridiculous. I obviously don’t know what it’s like to be in his/her/their shoes and it could make sense to them doing things this way, but it just seems silly and unnecessary.

        Walk in together. Be partners. Be happy and enjoy yourselves. Who cares who sees? Is she always going to have to walk a step ahead/behind him? Was he drawing off the paps’ attention from her? It’s not hiding anymore, b/c they’ve been seen together so much already that people know who she is. I don’t really get it. Normal adult relationships don’t have to be hidden. This is odd.

      • Nic says:

        The lff premiere WAS odd, though. If you don’t want to do it together then don’t do it together. She could’ve walked in and probably gone unnoticed. But to be photographed and arrive along with a handler on the carpet when the only people doing that were cast actually attracts more attention then if she’d just travelled in his car and got out and waited off to the edge like keiras husband.

      • MissMary says:

        that’s why so many folks are still not buying the dating thing–they just flat act like they’re not. Hell, even with Charlotte Asprey, whom he was not dating and just hanging out with, he had more chemistry and was seen touching her (holding hands even) and talking with her, and walking *gasp* alongside her.

      • Tara says:

        MissMary- wasn’t he only seen with Charlotte at his birthday party last year? When he was drunk and stumbling out of the club with her? lol. That was one night, as far as I know. Or has he been seen with her since?

        This SH thing, I think he is intentionally trying not to act like they are dating. It’s like what Me said below, maybe he thinks if they aren’t seen together, then people won’t think they’re a couple. A bit naïve, but I think he was trying to keep it on the DL for as long as he could. Now it just seems childish if they’re still trying to hide their relationship b/c they’ve been seen together so much.

      • sigh((s)) says:

        @tara- surely he cannot be that stupid? I I certainly know his PR people can’t be that stupid. If he is then it’s no wonder he didn’t get into Oxford.
        😉

      • Tara says:

        Lol, sighs. Nah, I don’t believe he’s so naïve that he thinks he can fool people by not being seen with her. But maybe he just doesn’t want to give people the satisfaction of photographing him with her just yet.

        I just don’t know anymore 🙂 lol.

        (I wasn’t aware that he applied to Oxford, thought he just went for Manchester for the acting dept. Hmm)

      • Jany says:

        Argh, if they’re dating he’s totally taking a leaf out of the ‘How to date for famous folks’ book that Robsten once used. Yikes. If so, that’s going to be sooooo annoying. Thing is, I don’t think even Rob Pattinson liked it, he’s now totally out in the open with his new GF. Just get it over with, works much better. So it probably was Kristen Stewart and/or their PR wanting them to act like ‘casual friends’. It’s not a good strategy, fans get fed up and the press goes crazy trying to figure out what’s up. So change it while you still can. Free advice from me, you’re welcome Karon… 😉

  32. Kazlock 1307 says:

    Why didn’t photographer wait and get a picture of them together?
    Why go to a place where paps hang,if you don’t want to be pictured together?
    The whole thing gets more confusing.. and weird!

    • Tara says:

      Guess they didn’t walk in/out together, Kazlock. At least not when this pap was there.

      I have to say, that if I went to a restaurant with my bf and we rode in the same car, and he got out and hurried inside w/o waiting for me, I’d be kind of cheesed off. Not saying that’s what happened here, but…

      If together, just get photographed with each other and be done with it. What do they think will happen if they are seen together? That his fans are going to attack her or something? People will accept it, and move on.

      • Felice says:

        The portal to hell will open. It’s for the best.

      • MissMary says:

        Honestly? And this is me projecting based on my own experiences in adult relationships…it smacks heavily of “just friends” and maybe “friends doing business” (she sure seems into her phone in those pics). i have a niggling feeling it’s either production related or he’s giving her some dap and getting her face and name in the papers.

        Not even walking in together? That’s not a privacy thing (esp going somewhere you know there will be photographers–and trust me, most of these celeb-frequented restaurants are known pap/photog hang outs and nine times out of ten, the celebs are aware). that’s a “see you inside” thing. Did he drive? it looks like they were driven if they both got out of the back seat, which makes me again think ‘official business’ and not ‘cosy outing’. but maybe that’s how they like to get down.

      • sigh((s)) says:

        You know, I like him. He seems like a cool guy and a great actor. Probably a good friend.
        He seems like terrible boyfriend material, though. A high maintenance mess. Why are you going to a celeb hotspot and trying not to get pictured with someone? Just. Ugh.
        Huge. Hot. Mess.

      • MissMary says:

        that’s what makes me give more side-eye to the whole “omg dating” thing–he’s never been shy to be pictured with dates, not even “not gf” ones like Lydia Hearst. the only other time we’ve seen pics of him not “datey’ with a woman while being papped was with Liv Tyler. same thing–keeping his distance, neither looking chummy.

      • Tara says:

        Sighs- Yes to all of that. Lol.

      • MeeMeeMee says:

        I agree with MissMary: it seems very much like he’s doing Sophie a solid and getting her some media attention. This reminds me of the Monaco Grand Prix when he made it a point to be feet away from KB at all times. It seems like when he’s out/at events with women who he’s friends with but that people suspect him of being in a relationship with, he makes it a point to stand apart from them as if to say “we are not together like that.” I find it odd that two people who have supposedly been dating for months are NEVER seen being affectionate with one another. So throw me into the “just friends” camp 🙂

      • Green Eyes says:

        Isn’t BC the one who wears the same damn outfit numerous times just so that Paps won’t get more money for the pics? I can see him making sure that he and S aren’t in the same pic just so that the Paps don’t get the money pic/s.

        Oh, I also agree with sigh((s)), I could never date BC. He’s way too high maintenance for me (plus the fact that he’s a Chatty Cathy – that would drive me crazy, too).

      • Tara says:

        I thought that, too Green Eyes, that he’s trying to not give the paps good photos of them together. It would account for not showing up/leaving together from places where there’s likely to be photographers (Quaglio restaurant and LFF hotel, for example) but still doing things (Rhodes’ wedding or Richard III) where pictures aren’t likely to be taken of him by Paps or sold to the papers.

        All that would get tiring real fast, if that is what he’s doing. But we know he hates Paps, so maybe…

  33. Me says:

    Looks like she waited in the car while he walked in with his face all tensed up. She was staring at that phone for dear life. Waiting for a very important text, eh? I don’t know what Qualigno’s is. But if it’s a pap hot spot, I guess they’re dumb. Because they look really together and afraid of cameras. Being private is one thing. Running from cameras like you’re the Beatles is stupid. She’s going to have to get used to it, at least for a little while. What are they gonna do? Name their first kid blanket?

    • Nic says:

      Google the restaurant. VERY celebby slap bang in the middle of Mayfair.
      There’s v little sense in that if it is the situation. Even more startlingly so, seeing as if they’re that desperate to not be connected then why on earth did she do her parade past the press at the hotel the other week followed by her chauffeur driven entry to the red carpet?

      • MissMary says:

        All this really makes me think that he’s getting her some publicity. It seems like something he does, lend his fame/name to friends who need a boost. Didn’t he do that with James Rhodes and others? take ’em to the ‘right places’ and introduce them to ‘the right people’ to give them a leg up? Maybe I’m wrong and they are super naive about how paparazzi works (I doubt that, esp in Ben’s case). i really don’t see any ‘tension’ in the pics though. just his usual face and her being into her phone.

      • Felice says:

        Well I mean I don’t see how this can be positive publicity since they are seen as hiding. It’s not like with James Rhodes where he was on several of his documentaries.

    • sigh((s)) says:

      Then why didn’t she go in first? He just riled all the paps up for her. Makes. No. Sense.

      • MissMary says:

        If I’m going with my conspiracy theory of publicity, lol… he riled ’em up for her, she gets her name linked with his as a ‘sighting’ together. “Date’ until he goes off to film lost city of z or something and they break up like he did w/Anna James when he went to LA for Trek. But that’s me pulling stuff out of my ear–I have no idea what’s going on really. I’m still in the “this looks more like friends than not’ camp but eh.

      • Me says:

        Just seems like too much effort to get press for a friend. Also, even though he said he wasn’t stressed about it, he would still like to meet someone and have a family. Feeding fake girlfriend rumors doesn’t serve that purpose. If some amazing guy put the moves on me and told me his press girlfriend was fake and I buy that, you should try to sell me a bridge too. I think they are together. Either they are stupid and walk into pap traps thinking it’ll be fine. Or they are under the delusion that being seen together but not “seen together” keeps them on the DL. Weirdos.

      • Tara says:

        I still think they’re dating, but don’t want to be seen together for whatever reason. It made sense to me before, now it just seems ridiculous b/c people know who she is and that she’s been around him a lot recently. And if it’s her that doesn’t want to be papped with him, then that’s going to make the relationship extra difficult. Girlfriend’s going to have to get used to all the attention.

        Me- I agree. Maybe they do think that if they aren’t seen together, people won’t think they are “together”. Lol, c’mon guys. The cloak and dagger routine just makes you look weird.

      • Nic says:

        No way is he naive about paps and where he’s going to find them. No. Way.

      • MissMary says:

        BC isn’t that naive to think the paps won’t notice if he’s arriving with a woman. For whatever reason, they’re going to great lengths not to be “together” in public and that is so different from how he’s acted w/other women in the past when he’s been involved with them, that many folks are thinking this is flat out weird and maybe a friends or business thing… if they’re dating, meh. i find her tedious (not b/c she may be his gf but because I have yet to see or read anything about her I find interesting or not ridiculous in a negative way) but I’m not the way taking her home so, lol, I doubt he cares what my opinion about her is.

      • Linz says:

        @Tara.

        The Restaurant they went to, is a Celeb/Pap hot spot. If they don’t want to be seen together, then why would they go there? If they arrived in different cars (looks like it’s possible) would they not think, that the Paps would not link them together? Whether they are dating, FWB, or just friends. This is getting weirder and weirder.

      • Tara says:

        I agree with ya, Linz. To all of it!

        I was assuming they arrived together, but of course they may not have.

    • An says:

      You would have never seen Hunter to begin with if they wanted to hide. I do wonder if they’re working on something.

      While I’m not a car expert, he came out of a white car and she’s in a grey one.

      • MissMary says:

        I wondered about the cars, too. I know some folks are using it as “proof” they don’t want to be seen together but…really? this whole thing is just effed up and not how I’d think two adults would act. he’s not the second coming of he Beatles, she’s not the Queen of Sheba. If they are dating and want privacy, don’t go to pap hot spots or red carpets “pretending not to be together” or just bite the bullet, go out and be seen without it being cloak and dagger, and don’t answer questions when people jump on you about the relationship.

      • Kazlock 1307 says:

        Did they arrive together or separately?Because the pictures sort of look ‘separate’.There’s nothing that links them somehow.
        And surely any pap would have at least got a picture if BC and SH near each other.Either sitting in or getting out of the car.Or walking to the restaurant together…even if he makes her walk 10 paces behind her!That’s the money shot tabloids are after.Take it they were paps who took them?
        And another question I have.Was it a group dinner?Maybe a birthday of one of their crowd.Sorry..it just doesn’t make any sense to me.How they’re acting

      • sigh((s)) says:

        If they were just working on something you would think his PR would just admit to it. This reeks of PR, I’m just still perplexed as to the purpose. Is it for her or him or both? Either way, I don’t think it’s a very good look and may backfire on them.

      • Tara says:

        Your guess is as good as ours, Kazlock!

        I thought it was the same car, despite the colors being a little off. Maybe it was the camera flash doing that. But, yeah, you’re right, I would think there’d be some sort of evidence if they were in the same car or arrived together. Maybe he got out of the car down the street and walked to the restaurant. Lol.

        Sidenote- how annoying would that be to have a photographer stick his camera in your open car door and take pictures of you. Yeesh.

      • Me says:

        The shots of Sophie were so close in that you really can’t tell the color of the car’s exterior. All you see is the interior and that rubber piece that encloses the glass of the window. Could have been the same car. Haha! This has got to be the worst piece of BC’S acting I have ever seen. Yah, he’s so good at keeping secrets. Not even his mother can tell. What a doofus. Most of the time, it’s cute. But I feel like I’m actually making fun of him right now. Oh, well.

      • sigh((s)) says:

        I’m absolutely making fun of him right now. Doofus is the nicest word I can think of at the moment. I still think it’s PR though. Which makes it all the more idiotic.

      • Tara says:

        But, PR for what? I just don’t get it.

      • an says:

        You can see the shiny exterior of Hunter’s car, it’s the lower-foreground. Plus the obvious if they came together, the paps would have gotten it somehow. This arrangement is how you sell otherwise boring photos for a bit more.

        My entirely personal opinion is some fan reactions are more questionable than anything else. They’re two strangers, I have no genuine idea of what they’re doing or why. *shrugs*

      • Jenny says:

        The Twit pic with the fan when he was out walking is the same day as this, he was wearing the same exact clothes and it’s dark out. Supposedly he was seen on public transit the same night alone, so yeah, they didn’t come together. I don’t think he drove/came in a car at all.

        Quaglino’s just reopened this weekend so I’d guessing a lot of ppl are going there.

      • Linz says:

        @Jenny.

        The fan pic was taken on Friday night.

      • Jenny says:

        @ Linz

        Odd, he’s wearing the same sweater and jacket in the fan pic but it’s grainy. Friday would have made more sense, that was the reopening day. I do wonder now if there’s no car pics because he didn’t come in one though.

      • Linz says:

        @Jenny.

        It’s not odd. He likes wearing the same clothes over and over again.

        The fan pic was taken Friday night in Hampstead. Looks like Benedict was not wearing the blue shirt, underneath the sweater. Quaglino’s is in London. The Pap pics were taken last night.

  34. Kazlock 1307 says:

    The whole thing gets weirder and weirder.If they’re dating then just admit it!!

  35. Me says:

    The weirdest thing is that it feels like they’re doing this to keep the fandom and the press from invading their privacy. Meanwhile, they are the only ones who have not received the memo that everyone knows and this is as bad as it will get. I wonder why PR doesn’t tell them. Maybe because they don’t think this silliness will affect anything important? I still think it’s stupid.

    • Nic says:

      He doesn’t need his PR to know what’s silly. The man is far far from a fool.

      • Me says:

        Nic, you really think he knows how stupid this is? Maybe it’s a genius plan to rid himself of serious fans. People who just like his acting and don’t care about his media personality will stay just as interested. Others will still admire his talent, but interest in him will cool. Brilliant. Sad times.

      • Nic says:

        There’s nothing genius about this. And I think he’s got serious issues if he’s adapting his behaviour due to the VERY small contingent of fans who actually give a shit about what he does in his spare time.

  36. blended says:

    i am thoroughly confused. if they wanted a quiet relationship, walking through botanical gardens and such, they can have it. going to pap hotspots on a saturday night in london is NOT the way to keep things hush. this is a new benedict that i’m seeing, and i’m disappointed.

    is this somehow part of the oscar campaign? does he want to be seen with a lady so that people don’t think he’s gay irl? is there some other game afoot? i honestly don’t know what’s going on and for the first time, i won’t defend him.

    • Tara says:

      I’ve heard that tossed about, Blended. That Harvey Weinstein, or someone, kind of told him to get a girlfriend for awards season so voters wouldn’t think he’s gay, like Turing. I don’t think that’s what’s going on here (b/c then why all the secrecy? bring the gf out, show her off), but something is definitely different and amiss.

      I hope he’s not getting a too-big-for-his-britches mentality and thinks he has to do this secrecy routine b/c of his obsessed/dedicated fans and the press. If that’s the case, I feel the majority of his fans would just give him a great big eyeroll and say, ‘You have a girlfriend? well good for you. La-di-dah.”

      Lol.

      • MissMary says:

        If it IS a pr-stunt gf thing, then it’d make sense since she’s bland (no spicy gossip about her in the past or present), she’s from a decent enough background socially if one is into that sort of thing, and she might be willing to play the part for some media face time/notoriety and an agreement she can “tell the story” to one approved source after their “sad break up” in a month or two about how they’re dear old friends but have such different lives/schedules/desires out of life that it wasn’t working out.

        But I’m super cynical and the more stunty this mess looks, the more meh I am about it and more likely to be really firm in my “just friends/stunting” pov lol.

    • gg says:

      That actually would *really* disgust me! If Benedict Cumberbatch – straight ally and defender-to-the-death of gay civil rights – actually got a “beard” to satisfy Harvey Weinstein’s Oscar campaign checklist. He’s been talking such a great game, I have a hard time believing that ANYONE could be that cynical. Plus it is 2014!

      • MissMary says:

        IDK that she’d be a “beard” per se but more like the old school Hollywood “get a girl on your arm and look like a ladies’ man” sort of a thing. He’s been openly single for a while and maybe someone in PR felt he needed to look datey. Or not.

      • Nic says:

        If that was the case, and I’m almost 100% sure it’s not, it definitely wouldn’t be for that reason. He wouldn’t have a ‘beard’, of course not. Everyone knows he’s not gay and it wouldn’t bother him if anyone thought any different anyway.

      • blended says:

        what MissMary said. it’s not a ‘beard’ situation because he’s not gay. it’s not about homophobia either. it’s about cultivating a particular image for the masses. having any lady on your arm is better than having none in the eyes of some people. and he hasn’t had a lady on his arm (publicly) for a long time now.

        i didn’t think ben was the type to care about this kind of image thing, but then again i didn’t think he was the type to engage in these pap games either.

  37. Me says:

    Amal Cooney has ruined us. Long live Lady Amal. Everyone else is forever a side chick.

  38. ijijijiji says:

    Actually him behaving like he does now with his GF that everybody already knows about says a lot to me about the person he is in real life. Not the persona he gives to the media but “the real Benedict” – and after all he is no better than the other so called stars, even if he is far from a fame level a George Clooney od Brad Pitt has – he thinks he is THE IT-BOY now and needs to play these childish games when everybody already knows what is going on lol But just one thought here: would this Sophie-woman be intersted in him if his career was on the level it was in 2009 so practically non-existing? Let me tell you this: A BIG NO!!! It’s the fame level he has now that is making him “sexy” for her lol He is no poster-boy so it’s obvious that’s his fame-level that she is interested in and she already profited from it, see: the car ad? It’s so obvious but congratulations to the ‘we are so in love forever’-couple lol well, we will see if it will be forever lol

  39. MissMary says:

    Okay, let’s see here… weird “we’re not together” behavior, going to a known pap hotspot/celeb hangout on the weekend it re-opens after a time closed for whatever… and no pics of them together. Sounds like PR to me. Whether it’s their own invention or actual PR is up for grabs but this just smells weird.

    • Linz says:

      @MissMary.

      It is beyond weird and it’s juvenile.

      Helen is going after the DM/DM Story on Twitter.
      “True journalism is a craft, and trawling Tumblr for stories is not journalism. What it is, is contemptible.”

      • MissMary says:

        He’s been known to ask her to say stuff for him before, so I’m wondering if he prompted her post esp as she usually doesn’t comment on gossip.

      • gg says:

        I’m not sure he even knows what Tumblr is, and I find it odd that she doesn’t actually come out and say it is not true. (Maybe she thinks it goes without saying, because it *is* the DM, but still…..)

      • Kazlock 1307 says:

        They just seem so “meh”…But I’m getting pi***d with the whole thing.She’s become odious… and BC is fast on the way to joining her!

      • Tara says:

        Who is Helen? A PR person?

      • Linz says:

        @GG.
        He knows what Tumblr is.

        @Tara.
        Helen is a friend of Benedict’s.

      • Sandi says:

        Or they’re just friends, and he’s not going to hide her because of fans or crow to the media every time he hangs out with a friend or gossip springs up just to keep over-invested (?) fans informed about his private life. Makes more sense than the complicated conspiracy theories but boy would I be annoyed with the fans/press at this point. It’d be a tug-o-war!

        Also, BC+popular restaurants is not even remotely unusual.

      • Tara says:

        Ah, well if Helen says it’s tripe, must be 🙂 Glad none of us fell for it anyway, lol

      • Felice says:

        Do we even know how the “Win Tea with B” went?

      • MissMary says:

        @Felice: Ooooooooh, I’d forgotten about that! The contest closed about a month ago (going by the NT website) but I can’t find info about who won/if they’ve already had the tea with BC and AS.

    • K- says:

      The easiest answer is they’re not dating at the moment but he’s not going to have or ask women friends to hide from fans nor give into fans and make a statement every time he hangs out with one.

    • Tara says:

      As for the restaurant being a pap hot spot- maybe he was there for a private party or group event and didn’t choose the venue. Knowing there’d be paps there, he and SH arrived separately to try and continue the not being photographed together thing.

      I know, I know, it’s silly and all that. We all can see that they were both there yesterday, but I don’t believe it’s a PR thing. If it were, wouldn’t they try to be seen together? Wouldn’t that be the point of her using him to ‘get her name out there’ or whatever? This cloak and dagger stuff doesn’t make either of them look good (not that they care) and, frankly, most people don’t give a toss about it. If together, be out and free and happy like Robert Pattison and his new gf. I’ve never seen Rob look so relaxed. Lol

      • Sandi says:

        Yes, @Tara. It doesn’t work from a PR-angle either way because it’s not enough to generate widespread general public interest. I hope they don’t care, because this has and always will happen when he’s near a woman and doesn’t publicly announce the nature of the relationship.

      • sigh((s)) says:

        But if it’s not a PR thing and they were genuinely trying to keep it out of the press then they wouldn’t be going to celeb hotspots and premieres “together”. She’d be staying home or they’d be going to hole in the wall restaurants.
        As far as Helen goes (who, btw, I have no idea who she is, only what I’ve heard here) it sounds like maybe things got a little out of hand with the marriage/babies. ” we wanted PR but not THAT much PR” sort of deal.
        You reap what you sow….
        I know I’m being harsh.

      • MissMary says:

        @sigh((s)): Helen is a friend of his (photographer iirc) who he’s used in the past as a “touchstone” with social media–she’s relayed messages from him, etc. SHe usually ignores gossip and invasive questions from fans but sometimes, something either sets her off, or maybe he asks her to post (IDK for sure that one but maybe?) about a rumor or issue going on.

      • Nic says:

        Helen won a competition to meet him a few years ago. She didn’t know him through her photography. She also hasn’t posted messages from him for a very long time.

      • MissMary says:

        No, but she *is* a photographer for her day job–I was just making an aside and probably could’ve left that out, lol. Didn’t she meet him via the Hagen Daas thing? It seems like Rhodes posts more “from” him of late, when BC is in a “hey, say this on twitter” mood.

      • Tara says:

        She won a competition to meet him and now they’re friends? That’s pretty cool, actually. Does Hagen Daas have anymore competitions to meet guys going on? James McAvoy perhaps? Lol

      • MissMary says:

        @Tara: IKR, lol? I have a list of people they can “offer” as prizes, including some non-celebs.

      • sigh((s)) says:

        I would binge on Haagen Daas for a year if I could meet james Mcavoy. Let’s be real, I’d binge anyway, but for Mcavoy? Oh sweet lord! Now there’s a man who seems straightforward in his relationships. Perhaps Cumby could take some lessons.

  40. Renee says:

    WTAF is going on?? I have family visiting and I took a break to see what is going on in the land of BC and it looks like a lot of stupidity. Why is it that when he’s around this woman, he seems to act like a complete moron?? They’re just annoying and pathetic and weird and I don’t even care what their deal is anymore. I’m confused. Are they together or not? For someone who seems to not care what fans think, he sure acts like he does. I wonder if realizes he looks kinda dumb right now.

    • Tara says:

      Haha, we’re the ones who are going to look dumb if it turns out they’re just friends. Well, some of us. Me, definitely. 🙂

      But, if he is hiding a relationship at this point in his life, *throws up hands* I don’t even know what to do with ya anymore, Benedict. Lol.

      • Renee says:

        Tara: lol. I had finally convinced myself they were a couple but who behaves like this if they are? No one I think. Ever since he’s been around SH, he seems to have lost some common sense.

      • sigh((s)) says:

        If they’re just friends, why isn’t he saying that? You know, like he did with Lydia or Katia?

      • MissMary says:

        He only did w/Lydia b/c he was papped w/ her before people knew he and Anna were over. Katia…well, she was so famewhorey I think he had to say something. But that’s MHO and not a given.

      • Tara says:

        Sighs- I don’t know. Guess he doesn’t mind being linked with SH in the gossip mill. There’s nothing unseemly about her. I think they are a couple, but can’t explain this weirdness. Haha.

        Renee-It definitely is contrary to what we’ve seen of him in the past. Maybe that’s what he’s going for, new super sneaky stealth Benedict…but he’s failing at it! Lol

        Any word on that Flaunt party? That was tonight, right?

      • MissMary says:

        @Tara: Yep, and pics are up. No sign of her, which I’m sure the more fanatic “Pro-dating” sorts will somehow take to be proof, just like the “not dating” ones will, lol.

      • Sandi says:

        Both of those comments were two years+ ago, when rumors weren’t flying constantly. He shouldn’t be addressing gossip anymore unless they’re harmful which is what a lot of celebs do for obvious reasons.

      • Tara says:

        Thanks, MissMary. The saga continues…

        Lol.

      • Renee says:

        MissMary: so this Flaunt party was tonight and she wasn’t there? But they got papped at a restaurant last night but arrived in separate cars? Have I got all the craziness right? Lol…I know it’s silly to wonder about this, but I keep thinking they’ll start acting like a couple “normally” acts at some point or she’ll just disappear. I’m personally rooting for a different woman to come on the scene, someone who he would actually want to be seen with.

      • MissMary says:

        @Renee: THat about sums it up, lol, at leas the past few days. And Helen Rushbrook, a friend of BC’s, is slamming the Fail’s “article” on twitter. I’m waiting for his secret Scottish castle gf to be let out of her chains and allowed out, lol.

      • Renee says:

        If being with SH made him this squirrelly, I hope he shows up with another woman soon. If this is some strange PR, I guess that won’t happen. I don’t even understand how this could be PR, but whatever.

      • MissMary says:

        If I were hardcore into conspiracy instead of just joking about it, I’d say maybe she had dirt on him, or he’s tired of the game and wants out. Or they concocted a PR stunt together and it went pear shaped. But who knows. It’s just odd.

  41. GeeMoney says:

    Ugh. I didn’t want to weigh in on this… the speculation about these two at this point in time is just ridiculous. But here are my thoughts/conspiracy theories:

    1) She’s not his gf. They are in cahoots to probably keep the rumor mill about him going for Oscar consideration. And in turn, he’s giving her career/name a boost. Ten bucks says she’s gotten a few phone calls for work off of the PR speculation.

    2) They are dating… but it’s not serious. Trust me – when that man gets serious about someone, you’ll know. He’ll parade her around London like she’s the best thing since sliced bread… all while smiling and holding her hand.

    3) They really are just friends, and he enjoys her company. Some men ACTUALLY enjoy being friends with women. It does happen. Just b/c two people are seen together doesn’t mean they are doing it. Geez.

    I don’t know how y’all can analyze this to death, and I really don’t understand why anyone cares. He doesn’t owe anyone anything. He doesn’t have to confirm or deny a relationship b/c it’s his life and his business… and his career. Leave the guy alone. Just sit back and enjoy him as an actor.

    And I’m serious… when it’s the real deal, he will let us all know.

    PS – And if anyone believes ANYTHING that the Daily Fail prints… I feel sorry for you.

    • Felice says:

      I’m so bored of it all. I’d rather him just go say it at this point. It’s so boring to watch people speculate over photographs.

      • GeeMoney says:

        Why does he have to say anything at all?!? Like I said… he owes the public absolutely NOTHING.

        Is life on Earth going to end if no one knows if they are together or not?!?!?!?!?

    • sigh((s)) says:

      Personally, I just think it’s been fun to speculate because he’s acting so weird about it. If he was just out there with it I wouldn’t give a crap. I don’t even really care anyway, it’s just escapism….lol.
      I love trying to figure out what’s going on in people’s psyche. And he is one curious pickle.

      • Renee says:

        This exactly. BC and SH are quickly becoming like a bad reality show , you want to stop watching but I can’t. Gotta see how it plays out. If he was out dating someone and being normal about it, I wouldn’t care. I don’t understand the reasoning behind what these two are doing. It’s a curiosity to me and it is just escapism. 😉

      • GeeMoney says:

        Hmmm… perhaps Harvey Weinstein is encouraging him to go along with the “relationship” and he’s unhappy about it?

        If there is anything that’s obvious about Cumby… he is not a liar. I can tell that he’s a pretty honest guy. Maybe he worked out a deal with SH and now wants out b/c it’s a fake relationship (and he doesn’t like that)? Could be the reason for the unhappy faces and the odd behavior.

        Or… perhaps he’s being told to let the rumors fly and not say anything. It might be bothering him that he can’t tell anyone what’s really going on.

        And for some reason… I don’t find him to be a curious pickle… I feel like what ends up on his face is actually what’s going on with him (water signs can’t hide their emotions that well, IMO). Just a thought.

      • blended says:

        the only thing i can think of is maybe there was a pr discussion about making him appear more ‘dateable.’ he will be exposed to a whole new audience because of the TIG campaign; people who won’t know anything about his dating history like we do.
        i agree that he can’t fake enthusiasm when he is in a bad mood. he’s been missing that twinkle in his eye for some time now and that’s why i can’t believe this is a genuine relationship. something is up with him personally.

      • sigh((s)) says:

        Blended- agree. I’ve thought that for awhile.

  42. Daisy says:

    People have commented that BC doesn’t look very happy in this weekend’s pictures. Misty Upham, whom he worked with in August: Osage County, went missing a week or so ago and was found dead on Thursday; possible suicide, although cause is still unknown. If I was him, that wouldn’t make me very happy either.

    • Jany says:

      I’ve thought about that too, she had dinner with BC and the rest of the crew and was very gracious with sharing her ‘Benedict experience’ on Twitter a few years ago. I’m sure that very sad news affected him. So tragic all around.

    • MissMary says:

      Oh, goodness, I’d forgotten about that, that they worked together (and I just watched the movie, too, and had been following her story). She spoke very well of him in interviews–I imagine he is probably upset about her passing, if anything.

  43. anon says:

    Is it normal for people to get chauffeured to a restaurant in London rather than driving or taking a cab? Could this have been a special event?
    I can’t tell if the pap shot was thru a window-usually there’s flashback. It would have been beyond uncool if BC got out and left the door open to run past the papa. Too much.

    • MissMary says:

      I guess it’d depend re the being driven… I don’t think it’s super common, unless it’s an event or you just really can’t stand the idea of not being chauffeured. BC hasn’t been papped being randomly chauffeured as far as I know, unless it was for an official “thing”. The pic of SH looks like it was through an open car door. A *wide* open car door.

    • Renee says:

      It does look like he ran out of the car and left her there to text on her phone?? How romantic…I’m wondering, can anyone think of a photo of these two since their grand romance began where they look like they are enjoying one another’s company? I’m not a denier, just genuinely curious as to why someone like Ben, who is always so warm and affectionate with others in pics — Loo, Evi Lilly, KK, ZQ, etc…I could go on….has become this cold, aloof person with SH.

      • MissMary says:

        I think that’s part of the reason why so many folks are like “eeeeeeeeeeeeeeh yeah not dating”. It just doesn’t jibe with a.) his public actions with previous partners, even “not ltr” ones like Lydia Hearst, and it’s just such a wtf way to act with someone you’re supposed to be dating. Yes, I grok the whole “oh they want privacy” angle but really, why go to premieres and pap hot spots if you want privacy? I can’t think of one single pic where a.) they’re standing next to one another comfortably (even the Burlesque Fairytales promo pics, they look meh) and b.) there’s any indication of “hey, we’re close emotionally!”

      • Kazlock 1307 says:

        I know Getty us a respectable agency and have standards where sources are concerned.But it’s bloody strange that the pap didn’t get a picture where they were at least in the same frame!Or maybe of them getting out of the same car(all be it at different times).
        But then again the whole relationship is strange. Nothing seems to make sense about it!And it doesn’t seem to make either of them happy judging by the pictures recently.

        On a side note…the AA and SP tweets look hilarious!! But even they’re being analysed by some posters(EB) for hidden messages.
        Apparently if you decipher them,they hint at SP meeting BC and being told of an engagement!! And the part about”fertile” confirms SH is expecting!!!!

      • MissMary says:

        Oh FFS! Those people on EB and twitter could make Fox Mulder look boring, what with their ‘coded messages’ and secret conspiracies. *eye roll*

        SP and AA would be among the last to post something about a friend’s private life, esp as they are both so very staunch about privacy in the eyes of fandom and the media. Also…ffs, the man was going for ejaculation related humor.

  44. KMS1017 says:

    People are seriously thinking simon and Amanda’s tweets are some kind of code for Benedict’s relationship status? People need to leave the deductions for sherlock…..