“Don't believe what you read": Rory McIlroy shuts down explosive rumors about his wife after viral photos

Rory McIlroy is putting an end to the speculation surrounding his marriage. After winning the Masters earlier this month, McIlroy traveled to the U.K. to celebrate with his family. While media outlets widely reported and published photos of McIlroy with his 4-year-old daughter Poppy, and without his wife, Erica Stoll , McIlroy is setting the record straight.
He says the reports are simply not true, and you shouldn't always believe what you read. Despite the photos circulating, the entire family was actually together.

"We first went to London with Erica and Poppy to see our new home that we’re building and we made the trip over to Belfast to see a few other people that are important to us,” McIlroy told reporters on April 23, according to Us Weekly . "Just to be with them, to be with Erica and Poppy and my mom and dad."

Photos of McIlroy with his daughter but without Stoll had fueled the rumors online, especially given the couple’s rocky past. In May 2024, McIlroy filed for divorce, which led to heavy media coverage of their personal lives. However, the couple reconciled soon after.

At the time, McIlroy made a rare public statement :

“There have been rumors about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate,” he told The Guardian . “Responding to each rumor is a fool’s game. Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realized that our best future was as a family together. Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.”

Now, the four-time major champion appears focused on both family and golf. He’ll be back in action at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans this weekend, partnering with close friend Shane Lowry to defend their 2024 title.

McIlroy’s message is clear: don’t believe everything you see or don’t see in the headlines.