Marianka SwainJul 22, 2026 – 5.00amUnlike the untouchable Hollywood stars of old, today’s famous figures are constantly professing how down-to-earth and authentic they are. Yet their insincerity has been laid bare by the latest trend of “statusmaxxing”, in which a host of A-listers have desperately attempted to show off their star power or enhance their social status in ways that are more tone-deaf than ever.From Taylor Swift hosting a ludicrously over-the-top “private” wedding at Madison Square Garden to Jennifer Lopez wearing a hat the size of a satellite dish to Wimbledon, such behaviour is infuriating fans. Celebrities want to have it both ways – to connect with the public by “keeping it real” (since that helps sell their products and projects) while exhibiting diva behaviour towards fans, and acting in a way that suggests they are above us mere mortals.The Telegraph LondonSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles