Running into an ex is never easy, but having paparazzi around to capture it all on film only makes it worse. Celebrities have had some of their most embarrassing interactions, worst dates, and awkward kisses all photographed for the world to see. From Bradley Cooper and Irina Shayk's rough time at Wimbledon to Taylor Swift's run-in with Harry Styles at the VMAs, this list of very public, very awkward interactions just might be the cringiest thing you see today.
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1
Ed Sheeran and Ellie Goulding
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Anyone who has ever run into an ex recognizes the look of pure dread on Ed's face.
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2
Harry Styles, Kendall Jenner, and Cara Delevingne
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Next time not one, but two of Harry's alleged exes are blocking the staircase, he might want to take the elevator.
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3
Mary-Kate Olsen and Olivier Sarkozy
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There's just so much wrong with this picture.
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4
Harry Styles and Taylor Swift
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Harry Styles's jaw dropped as Taylor walked by in 2013, the year of their split. This was after she won a MTV VMA for "I Knew You Were Trouble" and dedicated it to him in her speech. Iconic.
The fact that these two were unfazed when Amy Schumer dove in front of them is a little concerning. No emotions whatsoever.
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8
Justin and Hailey Bieber
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After a group of fans started chanting "Selena" outside of the 2021 Met Gala when Justin and Hailey arrived, the model appeared to start crying, before throwing on sunglasses and moving quickly up the carpet.
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9
Bradley Cooper and Zoe Saldana
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Talk about awkward—these two filmed a romantic movie together, dated for three months, then split right around the time of the 2012 premiere.
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10
Taylor Swift and Joe Jonas
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Two months after he dumped her in a 30-second phone call in 2008, Taylor and Joe had to ring in the New Year together in Times Square. Yikes.
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11
Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey
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This picture speaks for itself.
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12
Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson
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Pete looks terrified that Ari's gonna leave him for Shawn Mendes.
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13
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck
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They sure went for the mask kiss.
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14
Debby Ryan, Josh Dun, Tyler Joseph, and Jenna Joseph
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Twenty One Pilots and their wives might be close, but this strange photo looks like they're playing a game of Twister.
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15
Joe Jonas and Demi Lovato
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Perhaps the funniest part of this snap is Selena looking on as exes Demi and Joe awkwardly reunite at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.
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16
Beyoncé and Jay-Z
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We all know this outfit well. It was the 2014 Met Gala, aka the location of Solange and Jay's infamous elevator fight. It was an awkward night.
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17
Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr
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Who can forget Orlando interrupting his ex-wife's interview at the 2014 Vanity Fair Oscars party to tell her how great she looked?
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18
Sofia Vergara and Nick Loeb
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This red carpet bump in went very differently. Sofia did not skip a beat, kept talking to the reporter, and ignored her ex-fiancé.
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19
Lili Reinhart and Cole Sprouse
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The Riverdale exes used to sit next to each other at panels and in interviews...not so much now.
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20
Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, and Nick Jonas
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2008 was the year of Jonas Brothers mania and Disney stars reuniting at the Teen Choice Awards. Miley and Selena famously sang "7 Things" together right in front of the song's inspiration—their shared ex, Nick.
Erica Gonzales is the Senior Culture Editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage on TV, movies, music, books, and more. She was previously an editor at HarpersBAZAAR.com. There is a 75 percent chance she's listening to Lorde right now.