Hollywood is all abuzz with the news that Ali Rush and Cal Braxton have stepped back from acting and are taking a break. No one understands quite why they are doing so at this time in their respective careers. They are each at the height of their Hollywood arc and fans are going crazy.

Of course, many cynics think it’s just an agent’s ploy to garner more publicity – as if these two ever needed more publicity. Still, it makes one wonder if this is just PR or a break or a “career shift” as many in the Hollywood Press have snarkily labeled it.

Ali and Cal are not talking, of course, so it stokes the fires even more. The couple, who began dating a year ago after starring in Yellow Vibe, have not granted any more statements or interviews since announcing last week.

The couple has reportedly checked into Ti, the luxury resort in Turks & Caicos Islands. So we will have to wait to receive word as the resort is mysteriously private and discrete and protects its guests from being bothered by outsiders. Well, they deserve their privacy.

After all, it’s been a crush for them since they each broke out as stars and then celebrities, made even crazier when they appeared as a couple after finishing principal filming of Yellow Vibe. Of course the movie set the world on fire as it raced to earn $650 million in revenues right out of the gate. No one saw that coming but with that publicity machine behind it, it is obvious why the couple is taking a break from the press.

After doing the whole press junket to promote the film and appearing on all the usual talk shows and radio interviews, they were spent. At least that’s what their reps said. It’s safer that way, fans don’t want to hear their favorite stars utter those words. Better to hear it from an agent as second-hand info.

So what’s next for Hollywood’s newest hot couple? Three months? Six months? No way it’s going to be a year, they can’t lose that much momentum.

Here’s a guess: one of them will come forward in a publicity storm sometime this year. And the other one will feel betrayed and accuse the other of “stepping out” or “cheating.” More publicity. Fans will be wringing their hands. Meanwhile, producers will be rushing forward with the best and newest scripts. Written with them in mind. They will take their time and “choose well.” The co-stars who become tied to the project will be key to helping us navigate what is really going on with their relationship.

If it’s a star on the order of Ryan Gosling paired with Ms. Rush, that’s one thing. But if it’s Hollywood’s newest hot lead, Steve Sweat, all bets for wedding bells with Mr. Braxton will be off.

And vice versa. If Cal inks a contract to play Aaron Rock in the upcoming but untitled Steven Spielberg film, and headlines the film with the incomparable Kat Diamond, we can see which way that pairing will go.

So Cal and Ali, enjoy your spa, your resort and all your jacuzzi streams. Just don’t go into the water. You know there are just too many sharks waiting out there for you. And watch out for the land sharks too, the closer you get, when you both return to L.A.

[Author note: this piece does not celebrate celebrity but instead scathes at the horrible state of celebrity baiting and “reporting.” No wonder celebrities end up so damaged and different than their humble beginnings.]

Chris Ebel
3/7/23

Photo credit: @manamedia