The Illuminati has become something like the Bigfoot of the Internet. No, I don't mean it lurks in the woods and only appears in blurry photographs (probably). This shadowy organization of the rich and powerful that supposedly runs the entire world has become one of the most stubborn online urban legends.

And, much like Bigfoot, it just doesn't ever entirely die out. Unlike Bigfoot, the Illuminati is linked to some of your favorite stars and celebrities (although that would certainly bump Sasquatch's profile). Here are just a few of the media darlings that--supposedly--run the world when nobody's looking.

Jay-Z (and Beyonce)

Jay-Z and his superstar wife Beyonce have long been associated with the mysterious and subversive Illuminati, so much so that they've both addressed the claims in their lyrics (and no, they aren't confirming those suspicions of yours). But despite their best efforts, the belief that the two are the fierce and fabulous rulers of the shadowy organization just won't fade away; maybe it would help if they stopped flashing that diamond symbol everyone freaks out about. And yes, it's a diamond and not a triangle. Beyonce herself went so far as to clarify this years ago; not that it helped dispel any of those pesky rumors.


Justin Bieber

Apparently being an international pop star isn't enough for Justin Bieber; he's also reportedly a member of the elite Illuminati. How do we know this? According to conspiracy theorists, his videos are full of Illuminati symbols and messages that keen eyes can pick out. And that's not even going into those stories about him being a shape-shifting reptilian alien. No, seriously.


Iggy Azalea

The rapper has had some public relations snafus as of late (not the least of which was arguing over Macklemore's new hit single "White Privilege II" via Twitter), but that doesn't mean she doesn't have some serious power backing her up. Theorists claim that her videos and even fashion choices all embrace the exalted triangle symbol constantly used by the Illuminati, a clear sign that she's involved with the organization. You'd think if the Illuminati wanted to remain a secret, they'd stop using triangles so much.


Miley Cyrus

The pop princess turned paparazzi favorite has long been accused of being in the Illuminati (being a Disney star can do that to you). Her numerous tattoos apparently depict her devotion to the organization, and the Internet is filled with stories of the disturbing (and often satanic) rituals she takes part in. Oh, Hannah Montana, this is definitely not the best of both worlds.

Rihanna

It's hard to find a pop star more commonly associated with the Illuminati than Rihanna. The sultry singer has long been accused of being a pawn of the organization, and her new album Anti didn't help matters (conspiracy theorists claim that it refers to the anti-christ, for those of us not caught up on our Illuminati symbolism). And there are others that insist her no-show at the Grammys had to do with her crossing the all-powerful organization, leading them to exact a warning--don't mess with the rulers of the world (especially if you're a celebrity).

Tags
Jay-Z, Beyonce, Celebrity rumors, Justin Bieber, Iggy Azalea, Miley Cyrus, Rihanna