Jerry Seinfeld’s problematic relationship with a high schooler has resurfaced as Duke students protested his commencement speech due to his support for Israel and his wife’s involvement in anti-Palestine activities. Seinfeld has been vocal about his support for Israel and even visited a West Bank military camp with his family. The incident at Duke University followed a trend of campus protests demanding universities divest from Israel amid the country’s conflict with Hamas. Seinfeld also visited families of hostages taken by Hamas in Gaza last December.
During the protests at Duke’s commencement, Seinfeld was criticized not only for his political views but also for his relationship with Shoshanna Lonstein Gruss, whom he began dating when she was 17 and he was 38. Despite the significant age gap, Seinfeld’s relationship with Lonstein Gruss was widely publicized in the media, with People magazine covering their outings and her family’s approval of their relationship. Howard Stern was one of the first to criticize Seinfeld’s romantic interest in a minor, singing a parody song at an event in 1993.
Seinfeld initially denied knowing Lonstein Gruss’ real age, but later admitted to it, stating that he didn’t realize she was so young. The relationship continued as Lonstein Gruss attended college at George Washington University, and Seinfeld would often be seen strolling through campus with her. Despite the controversy surrounding their relationship, Seinfeld continued to defend it, stating that they were in love but the timing wasn’t right for marriage. Seinfeld met his current wife, Jessica, in 1998, and they married in 1999.
Despite the passage of time and Seinfeld’s subsequent marriage to Jessica, social media users have continued to condemn him for his relationship with Lonstein Gruss, accusing him of grooming a minor. The term “grooming” refers to an adult befriending a minor in order to make sexual advances once they reach the legal age. Some users have been circulating sarcastic tweets urging others to Google “Seinfeld 17” for more information on the relationship. The incident at Duke University has brought renewed attention to Seinfeld’s controversial past and his relationships with younger women.
Seinfeld has not publicly commented on the recent protests or the resurfacing of his past relationship with Lonstein Gruss. The incident at Duke University is part of a larger trend of campus protests against celebrities and public figures for their political views or controversial behavior. The backlash against Seinfeld highlights the ongoing debate around age differences in relationships and the power dynamics that can be at play in such situations. Despite the passage of time, Seinfeld’s past continues to be scrutinized by the public, raising questions about accountability and responsibility for actions that occurred decades ago.
