Celebrity smoking images raise concern despite decades-low US smoking rates

Anti-smoking advocates in the United States are warning that celebrity and entertainment images are making cigarettes look fashionable again, even though US smoking rates remain at decades-low levels.

AFP reported examples including Kylie Jenner smoking on the cover of Vanity Fair, cigarette trays at singer Dua Lipa’s wedding and Instagram accounts sharing celebrity smoking images. Style Analytics, a fashion data tracker, said Pinterest searches for “smoking pose” among 18- to 24-year-olds have risen 70 percent.

Jessica Rath, vice president at the anti-tobacco group Truth Initiative, told AFP that pop culture’s portrayal of smoking could encourage addiction among young people and discourage people trying to quit. Truth Initiative said eight of the 10 feature films nominated for this year’s best picture Oscar contained tobacco images.

Brian King, head of US programs at the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, called the trend “highly concerning” from a public health perspective. He said public attention has shifted away from conventional cigarettes as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches have grown in popularity.

The article said current US smoking statistics do not show an increase in cigarette use. It also said smoking rates are at a six-decade low among American adults and the lowest in a quarter-century among youth.

Rath and King said prevention efforts should include public messaging, cessation support, higher prices, smoking bans and work with platforms and Hollywood to reduce or contextualise tobacco depictions.