The "Larry Stylinson" conspiracy theory, popularized by a faction of One Direction fans known as "Larries," claims that Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson have been in a secret romantic relationship for years. These fans argue that the band's former management, Modest Management, and other music industry figures intentionally kept the two apart and coerced them into maintaining fake relationships with women, referred to as "beards," to conceal their true sexuality. The theory also includes allegations about Louis Tomlinson's paternity, dubbed "Babygate," where some Larries believe that his child is not biologically his. Despite the persistence of these claims, both Styles and Tomlinson have repeatedly denied the rumors. They have expressed frustration with the speculation, with Tomlinson dismissing it as "bullshit" and even blocking the word "Larry" on his social media in an attempt to stop the harassment.