JULIA ROBERTS
(At 58, Julia Roberts struggles to cling to her "America's Sweetheart" title while grappling with the weight of aging, controversial statements about her past, and multi-million dollar advertising contracts designed to mask the marks of time.
Spotlight Appearances and Backlash 2025-2026
Venice 2025: Red Carpet Tension: At the premiere of After the Hunt, Roberts faced heavy criticism while trying to defend the film against claims that it represents a setback for women. Behind-the-scenes sources suggest the atmosphere with co-stars Andrew Garfield and Ayo Edebiri was purely professional, devoid of the "chemistry" that once made her famous.
Gotham Awards: Fashion Disaster: The actress emerged in a giant purple Tom Ford suit—a choice that polarized critics and was interpreted by many as a desperate attempt to hide her silhouette.
2026 Golden Globes: The Face of the Night: At the January event, harsh lighting and a black Versace gown were the primary tools used to maintain the illusion of eternal youth. Tabloids are rife with speculation regarding new cosmetic procedures unconfirmed by her PR team.
Renouncing Vivian Ward: In a shocking twist, Roberts admitted in January 2026 that she would no longer accept the role of Vivian in Pretty Woman. Her excuse? An alleged "loss of innocence" and cultural shifts—which sounded to many like a forced distancing from her commoner roots.
The Olive Oil Empire and the Advertising Facade
While pocketing millions from luxury brands, Roberts' beauty methods border on the bizarre.
The Lancôme Strategy: Julia remains the face of Lancôme, but the 2025 'Lancôme Express' campaign was dogged by accusations of excessive digital retouching. The commercial, set on a luxury train, attempts to sell a sophistication that the actress reportedly replaces with peculiar habits in her daily life.
Kitchen Secrets: Gossip rags didn't hold back following the revelation that the star bathes in "olive oil". Using the culinary ingredient on her skin, nails, and feet is viewed as an eccentric obsession to ward off natural aging.
Pretty Woman: The Dark Past Disney Hid
The film that made her rich conceals secrets the actress prefers not to recall in detail.
The Gritty Script: Before Disney’s "sanitization," 3,000, the original title, was a tale of degradation, drugs, and raw prostitution. Roberts was "saved" by the script's transformation into an unrealistic fairy tale.
The Nudity Charade: Since age 21, Roberts has utilized rigid contractual clauses to ban frontal nudity—a move many label as false modesty used to maintain iron-fisted control over her public image.
Gere and Roberts: Just Business: Although their chemistry raked in $463 million, rumors from the era indicate the set environment was purely profit-driven, a far cry from the romance sold on the posters.
"Industry Sources"
Forbes Brazil, Hollywood Scandals, 2025;
CNN Brazil / Bang Showbiz, January 2026 Exclusives;
People Magazine, Special Anniversary Edition, 2025;
Purepeople, Star Beauty Dossier; and
Deadline, Career Confessions, 2026.