The world is rapidly coming to an end.  TMZ gets more traffic than CNN, Kim Kardashian is quasi-famous for being the friend of a person who is famous for no reason (Paris Hilton), and Vanessa Hudgens is the subject of daily gossip and unsubstantiated rumors borne out of a private and relatively innocuous self-taken nude picture.   The latest Vanessa Hudgens “story” revolves around the staus of her relationship with Zac Efron, Hudgens' High School Musical co-star and modern-day David Cassidy (or, so says Rolling Stone).  It would be one thing if there was a public break-up, or a press release from a publicist or any sort of solid quote.  But, there's not.  Gossip columns are reporting on the possibly apocalyptic break-up of Hudgens and Efron based on paparazzi pictures taken of the two actors together in LA.  Why would this fuel speculation of a break-up?  Well, because Zac Efron looks mildly perturbed in the photographs.  That's it.

To say such speculation fueled gossip reporting is premature is an understatement.  It's ridiculous.  The High School Musical stars have become unfortunate tabloid fodder for the stark naked picture of Hudgens that's been floating around the internet for the last month.  The ramifications of this picture, which was released soon after High School Musical 2 scored historically huge ratings upon its Disney Channel premiere, have been remarkably far-reaching.  Calls for Hudgens to be fired from High School Musical 3, speculation of her being replaced by someone called “Cheetah Girl”, reports of an angry Efron in Australia, rumors that the Hudgens photo was snapped when she was 15, talk of more naked pictures, and now, talk of Efron and Hudgens on the verge of a break-up.  It's a lot of noise and mongering, a series of unnecessary overreactions to a story that's neither important or interesting.

As for the photos, I find it pretty insane that sites are inferring that Zac Efron's expression in candid photos are indicative of a finished relationship.  At best, it's grasping at straws.  Take what you will away from the pictures, but will all things rumor based, the truth will appear soon enough and when it does, we'll do our best let you know what's up.  Until then, speculate away. 

-Oscar Dahl, BuddyTV Senior Writer
(Image Courtesy of GossipGirls.com)