Ian Somerhalder and Nikki Reed Try To Quiet Nina Dobrev Split Rumors With Public Appearance Fighting For Animal Rights

Despite all of the rumors circulating about the couple, The Vampire Diaries star Ian Somerhalder and wife Nikki Reed recently made a public appearance together in order to clear up speculations that they are having relationship issues. According to Realty Today, the couple posted a video together in support of animal rights, as the two are in the midst of a possible split.

In the video, which was posted to Somerhalder’s Instagram account, Reed and Somerhalder are seen taking care of their dog in order to promote a stop to animal cruelty. “I’m Fighting DOGFIGHTING. Stand with me?” Somerhalder captioned the video. “Using our collective voice is the only way to insure that we stop it. Stand with me. What do you think?”

The video is actually quite sincere, as the couple appears to be united in their efforts to protect animal rights. “The respect that you give to people, you give to animals. If you can build this next generation to have this type of compassion for other living creatures, it’s going to span across a lot of societal issues that we’ve been having,” Somehalder stated in the video. “Humane Society starts with you.”

Apparently, animal rights advocacy is one issue both Ian Somerhalder and Nikki Reed agree on wholeheartedly. In fact, in a recent interview with Forbes, Reed explained just how involved she is in supporting animal rights.

“I am all for education, and all understanding of the journey. It’s not about being perfect, it’s not about being extreme, it’s about knowing there are options out there, to help reduce our need for products made from animals, and increase our demand for US made products.”

That being said, is their partnership in a serious and important issue like animal rights enough to keep them together? While neither Somerhalder nor Reed have addressed the rumors that they are heading for a split, a recent development concerning Somerhalder’s ex-girlfriend and fellow Vampire Diaries star Nina Dobrev might hasten their breakup.

According to Franchise Herald, Dobrev might be set to make a return to the hit television series following her announced departure from the show at the end of last season. In fact, Paul Wesley, who plays Stefan Salvatore on the show, recently revealed that Dobrev’s character would still be a major part of the story as the show heads into Season 7.

“Elena’s still a very big part of the story,” Wesley told TV Insider. “Her body’s in danger in the first few episodes, and Damon is doing everything he can to make sure it stays safe if and when she wakes up… [Characters] die and come back.”

In addition to Wesley’s comments, Somerhalder also revealed that there is a possibility fans will get to see another appearance by Dobrev in the coming season. “She’s still there, dude,” Somerhalder explained in an interview MTV News. “She’s in a casket; she’s having a nap.”

Does this mean that Somerhalder and Dobrev will be working together once again? If this is true, then it would likely not go over very well with Reed, especially considering the past history between Dobrev and Somerhalder.

That being said, Dobrev recently stated that she was indeed finished with the show, and didn’t really leave any room for a return. “That chapter is closed, sadly – bittersweet,” she told Entertainment Weekly. “I can’t wait to see what the new season will look like. I’ll be watching. I’m very excited for my friends.”

With that in mind, it appears as though Somerhalder and Reed’s latest video is an effort to show that they are still going strong in their relationship. Only time will tell if the two do manage to work through their issues and remain together.

Tell us! Do you think that Ian Somerhalder and Nikki Reed are really fighting over Nina Dobrev? Let us know in the comments below.

[Photo By Angela Weiss/Getty Images]