John Stamos addresses Lori Loughlin romance rumors

John Stamos set the record straight on his relationship with Lori Loughlin, saying in a recent interview that despite their friendship, there’s “no f****** way” he would ever leave his wife for her.

Newsweek reached out to Loughlin’s representative for comment on Tuesday via email outside regular working hours.

Why It Matters

Rumors about a potential romance between Stamos and his Full House co-star have circulated for decades, fueled by their on-screen chemistry and enduring friendship. Earlier this month, The Los Angeles Times reported Loughlin and her husband, Mossimo Giannulli, have split after nearly 28 years of marriage, renewing speculation between her and Stamos.

What To Know

On Monday’s episode of the Good Guys podcast, Stamos directly addressed longstanding rumors about a possible romance with Loughlin.

“A lot of people were like, ‘Oh you guys were romantic.’ I happened to say she was the one who got away in something, and I think it was before I met Caitlin, and it was an interesting thing,” he told hosts Josh Peck and Ben Soffer, referring to his wife, Caitlin McHugh. “There was a very small window of the two of us being single at the same time.”

Stamos and McHugh wed in 2018, and prior to their relationship, the ER star dated model and actress Rebecca Romijn.

“I don’t mean to belittle or pare it down to Grease, but Lori was Sandy, you know before the leather and all that stuff, before that song, and Rebecca Romijn was Sandy in the leather and the, ‘Tell me about it, stud,'” he explained. “There was a moment where I had the choice, I think. And I was more into, you know, the rebellious.”

He added that Loughlin “was sweet and I loved working with her, but she was too nice for me.”

“She was America’s sweetheart,” Stamos continued. “It was always platonic.”

The 62-year-old described his decision-making during that period, commenting: “I always thought that we made out on some ride at Disneyland.” Loughlin, however, challenged that statement. “I think she said it didn’t happen, so I don’t know if it was something I made up in my mind, some sort of fantasy.”

When pushed further about their relationship, Stamos firmly denied ever considering leaving his wife for Loughlin, stating there’s “no f****** way” he ever would.

In 2019, Loughlin, 61, and Giannulli, 62, made headlines for their involvement in what was referred to as the college admissions scandal or “Operation Varsity Blues.” The couple was convicted of wire and mail fraud for paying $500,000 to get their daughters into the University of Southern California as rowing recruits, despite not participating in the sport. Loughlin and Giannulli both pleaded guilty to fraud charges and served prison time; Loughlin was released in December 2020 after nearly three months in federal prison, and Giannulli completed a five-month sentence in April 2021.

Recently, Loughlin and Giannulli separated, with their representative confirming they are living apart but with no legal proceedings underway. Stamos emphasized his 40-year friendship with Loughlin, calling her a “saint” and stating: “I know she’s just devastated” by the breakup and public fallout from the scandal.

During the podcast, Stamos blamed Giannulli for the college admissions scandal and said: “I will never talk to him again.” 

“He’s a terrible narcissist,” the California native declared. “I pray that he gets a hold of whatever hole that he’s trying to fill, however he’s trying to fill it. I pray that he realizes that what he had was everything that anyone could ever hope for and that he gets some help. I think this guy needs help.”

What People Are Saying

In April 2024, Loughlin denied Stamos’ Disneyland story, saying during the How Rude, Tanneritos! podcast, per Entertainment Tonight: “He likes to tell some crazy story about we made out on the Matterhorn and I’m like, ‘What?’ But I think that’s just for comedic value.”

What Happens Next

Season 2 of Palm Royale, which features Stamos, is set to premiere on November 12 on Apple TV.