Why Tim Tebow, Jennifer Lawrence and 7 Other Celebs Abstained From Sex
Believe it or not, even the most beautiful celebrities have opted out of having sex. Here are the celebs who chose periods of abstinence, as well as their reasons behind the decision.
Overview
If you're a celebrity, chances are you could get any lover — from alluring fans who throw themselves at you to attractive co-stars you develop close on-set relationships with. So if the world is their sexual oyster, why do some celebs choose to refrain from engaging in sensual affairs?
According to Planned Parenthood, choosing abstinence may come from a variety of reasons, such as waiting for the right partner, focusing on a career track or hobbies and getting over a breakup. At the end of the day, celebrities are just like us. Read on to learn the relatable reasons why some actors, actresses and musicians have slammed the brakes on their sex lives.
1. Jennifer Lawrence
The down-to-earth "Hunger Games" star may seem uninhibited and free-spirited about her sex life, but, in reality, she's not spending too much time in the bedroom. In an interview with The Sun, she explained, "I always talk like I want d**k, but the truth is, when I look back at my sexual past, it was always with boyfriends."
Her reason for saying "pass" to casual sex? She is a self-proclaimed germaphobe. "If I was at a point where I could get an STI, doctors have already been involved," the star said, implying that she expects her partners to get tested.
Up next: J.Law isn't the only "Hunger Games" star to open up about celibacy.
2. Lenny Kravitz
It might be tough to believe, but soulful crooner Lenny Kravitz actually abstained from sex for four years. His motivation? The singer and "Hunger Games" co-star admitted to The Telegraph that he just woke up one morning after a hookup and realized he needed to slow down. "I was just talking to God, as I do, and I said, 'You got to help me to stop this. I just really want to stop this.' And that was the day that it changed."
He elaborated, "It's just a promise I made until I get married. Where I'm at in life, the women have got to come with something else, not just the body, but the mind and spirit."
Up next: This champion of owning her sexuality isn't always getting it on.
3. Lady Gaga
While Lady Gaga — a champion of owning one's sexuality — has had her fair share of attractive suitors, the fabulous singer not only gave up getting intimate in 2010, but encouraged her fans to do the same. The reason? The rise of HIV in women.
Gaga told MTV, "This is a disease that affects everyone, not just the gay community, and right now it's mostly affecting women." At the time, the starlet explained that in her case being single went hand in hand with her decision to be celibate, as she didn't have the time to get to know a partner. "It's OK not to have sex. It's OK to get to know people. I'm celibate, celibacy's fine," she assured fans.
Up next: You won't believe how long this '90s darling has abstained.
4. Brandy
In 2010, "The Boy Is Mine" singer Brandy surprised fans with her incredible self-restraint. She declared on "Dancing with the Stars" that she hadn't had sex in more than six years.
Had it really been six years since she'd been intimate with a man? Brandy admitted in Life & Style magazine, "Um, no. But it's been a long time. We're talking years." She explained, "I haven't been with a man seriously and in love in six years. And, honestly, I tend to abstain if I'm not in a relationship."
Up next: This gorgeous couple has a very career-driven reason for writing off sex.
5. Kate Upton and Justin Verlander
Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander takes baseball very seriously. So seriously, it turns out, that he won't even have sex with his stunning wife, model Kate Upton, within 24 hours before any game. Kate confirmed this self-imposed shared abstinence when she appeared on E!'s "Watch What Happens Live."
On the show_,_ she told Andy Cohen, "There's no sex before a game. Absolutely none." She added, "What I've [also] just found out is, if he plays too well, there's no sex after, either." The question is: Why not after? "He's exhausted," she said. "It's kind of a buzzkill for me." What a team player!
Up next: Her character got it on, but this desperate housewife has been known to abstain.
6. Eva Longoria
While Eva Longoria's "Desperate Housewives" character was best known for having a steamy affair with her teenage gardener, in real life she had a little more control over her carnal urges.
While engaged to San Antonio Spurs' point guard Tony Parker, she defended against letting him score any bedroom action. The reason for her chaste behavior? She didn't want to ruin the Spurs' playoff winning streak. She told Jimmy Kimmel, "Luckily, we're getting married after the playoffs, and then we need to consummate the marriage."
Up next: This former football star is very vocal about saving himself for marriage.
7. Tim Tebow
Ladies, if you had any hopes of getting naked with the hunky New York Mets outfielder, you're out of luck: He's saving himself for marriage.
The devout Christian told Vogue magazine, "It's about finding a girl who likes me for me, and not because of what I do or who I am or the name." More recently, he revealed his thoughts on waiting to meet that right person. "I can't wait, but I think it's something that I'll have to trust God for. He'll bring someone along at the right time. But that doesn't mean that I don't want it, though," he told People.
Up next: This "Project Runway" darling has been celibate for decades.
8. Tim Gunn
When it comes to abstinence, the stylish "Project Runway" mentor has "made it work" for an unbelievable 29 years. According to the Los Angeles Times, he started his self-imposed celibacy after a difficult breakup and just as AIDS began devastating the gay community. He said that he and many other people simply wanted to avoid that danger.
During an episode of ABC's "The Revolution," Gunn said that he has no regrets. He told the audience, "I am happy to be healthy and alive, quite frankly."
Up next: She might be a great friend, but this star has opened up about not being ready to be more.
9. Courtney Cox
The ending of a relationship can be depressing and devastating. It can also make you rethink your sexual actions — which was the case for actress Courtney Cox. Following her separation from husband David Arquette, the "Friends" star took some time off from sex.
When Cox went on "The Howard Stern Show," she admitted to Stern that she hadn't been intimate with anyone since splitting with Arquette. Cox, who vowed to abstain from sex through her separation, explained, "I'm just not ready. I'm not saying I'm not ready to have a make-out session, I'm just not ready to — I don't know. I'm holding to it. I'm not lying…. I've not had a man since David." Cox eventually started dating again and is currently engaged to Snow Patrol band member Johnny McDaid.
What Do YOU Think?
Which one of these celebrities surprised you the most with their abstinence? Have you or anyone you know ever abstained from sex for a period of time? Share your stories in the comments below!