Julia Roberts

After the Hunt, centred on an allegation of sexual assault and its uncertainties, was criticised at Venice as a work potentially recycling anti-#MeToo arguments. Roberts defended the film, stating that it was intended to generate conversation rather than impose a simple moral lesson.

State of the evidence

Documented

Following the death of Julia Roberts' half-sister Nancy Motes, some relatives publicly accused Roberts of humiliating or mistreating Motes, particularly regarding her weight. The press also reported that a note left by Motes allegedly expressed anger towards her family.

Roberts began a relationship with cinematographer Daniel Moder while he was still married to Vera Steimberg. During their separation, Roberts was photographed wearing an 'A Low Vera' T-shirt, widely interpreted as a dig at Moder's wife.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

At the Notting Hill premiere, a photograph of Roberts waving to the crowd with visible underarm hair triggered extensive media coverage and became a lasting symbol of debates about body standards imposed on famous women.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

During production of Hook, the press portrayed Roberts as difficult, unstable and confrontational, even giving her the nickname 'Tinkerhell'. Steven Spielberg subsequently described the period as very difficult, while Roberts strongly disputed the rumours and criticised the director for not defending her more.

State of the evidence

Reported by the press

Attribution

Directly implicated

The planned wedding between Julia Roberts and Kiefer Sutherland was cancelled days before the ceremony, after which Roberts travelled to Ireland with Sutherland's friend Jason Patric. The episode generated extensive tabloid coverage and was long portrayed as Roberts running away with Patric.

State of the evidence

Disputed

Attribution

Directly implicated

Pretty Woman, which established Julia Roberts as a star, attracted criticism from its release for turning an initially much darker screenplay about sex work into a romantic comedy and for being perceived as a fairy tale that oversimplified prostitution.

State of the evidence

Documented