Rumors have long swirled around the private lives of global superstars Beyoncé Knowles and Jay-Z, with one of the more persistent whispers involving allegations of Beyoncé’s alleged closeness with her longtime bodyguard, Julius De Boer. If the gossip mill is to be believed, the Carters’ marriage, which has stood firm under the intense scrutiny of the spotlight since they tied the knot in a private ceremony in 2008, has faced significant trials—some of which reportedly stem from Jay-Z’s concerns over Beyoncé’s bond with De Boer.

Julius De Boer has been a visible part of Beyoncé’s life for years. As her trusted bodyguard, he has been seen at her side, ensuring her safety while navigating the often chaotic world of international fame. His presence is so integral to her public appearances that fans have come to recognize his face almost as easily as they recognize the singer herself. However, with this familiarity has come speculation, fueled by images and anecdotes that have sparked the curiosity of the public.

According to reports, Jay-Z has allegedly felt uneasy about the close dynamic between his wife and her bodyguard. “Jay definitely thinks there was, and maybe still is, something romantic going on between Bey and Julius,” an anonymous source claimed. Tensions reportedly came to a head when Jay-Z expressed a desire to terminate Julius’s employment, believing the relationship between the two had crossed professional boundaries. Yet Beyoncé was allegedly adamant about keeping her bodyguard by her side, reportedly stating, “Julius isn’t going anywhere.”

In 2009, one particular incident added fuel to the speculative fire: paparazzi photographs captured Beyoncé and Julius exiting a hotel, with noticeable red lipstick smudged around his lips. The photos ignited discussions among fans and media outlets, with some interpreting the images as a smoking gun, while others believed it could have been an innocent and explainable occurrence.

Despite the fact that both Beyoncé and Jay-Z have, in the past, faced waves of cheating rumors, their marriage has survived numerous tests, including those acknowledged by Jay-Z himself. The rapper has been candid about his own infidelities, a topic he addressed in his music and in interviews, admitting that the couple had to work hard to rebuild trust and repair their relationship. His jealousy, as described by sources close to the couple, is said to be heightened when it comes to Beyoncé’s relationship with her bodyguard.

“They’ve spent a lot of time together behind closed doors,” one insider shared. “He’s even stayed in her hotel room.” Such claims, while salacious, remain unverified. For Beyoncé and Jay-Z, who are not only partners in marriage but also collaborators in one of the world’s most iconic music empires, rumors like these are part and parcel of living life under the microscope.

Nevertheless, both stars have largely maintained a dignified silence in the face of gossip, choosing instead to let their work and public appearances speak for themselves. Their fans have witnessed them addressing marital challenges through their art, such as Beyoncé’s critically acclaimed album Lemonade and Jay-Z’s confessional follow-up, 4:44, which offer glimpses into the complexity of their relationship.

In the end, whether the whispers hold any truth or are simply the result of overzealous speculation, the Carters continue to captivate and inspire millions. Their marriage, like any, is subject to challenges, but it remains a testament to the resilience and intricacies of a partnership lived under constant public scrutiny.