Jennifer Aniston Is Over the Media’s Misconceptions: ‘With All Due Respect, I’m Not Heartbroken’

Nicole Villeneuve
Aug 01, 2018

Jennifer Aniston has criticized the media for speculating about her personal life in the past, and in a new interview, she’s once again taking a stand against the misconceptions and invasions of privacy that follow her wherever she goes.

“The misconceptions are ‘Jen can’t keep a man,’ and ‘Jen refuses to have a baby because she’s selfish and committed to her career.’ Or that I’m sad and heartbroken,” the actress said in InStyle‘s September cover story. “First, with all due respect, I’m not heartbroken. And second, those are reckless assumptions.”

Aniston’s personal life has been the subject of intense scrutiny since she broke out as a star on NBC’s Friends in the mid-’90s. The focus of most of the tabloid attention is on her relationships — including her recent split from husband Justin Theroux — and whether she is or will ever be pregnant. But as the celebrated actress told InStyle, the real story isn’t anyone’s business, and as she’s said in the past, the double standards are infuriating.

“No one knows what’s going on behind closed doors,” she continued. “No one considers how sensitive that might be for my partner and me. They don’t know what I’ve been through medically or emotionally. There is a pressure on women to be mothers, and if they are not, then they’re deemed damaged goods. Maybe my purpose on this planet isn’t to procreate. Maybe I have other things I’m supposed to do?”

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Talk about her all you like, but with great friends, new projects, and still-perfect hair, September cover star Jennifer Aniston is doing just fine. And at 49, she knows who she is. That means no boundaries, no bullshit, and lots of laughing. “For the most part I can sit back and laugh at the ridiculous headlines because they have gotten more and more absurd,” she tells her close friend @MMcNearney, who interviewed her for her refreshingly candid cover story. “I guess they’re feeding into some sort of need the public has, but I focus on my work, my friends, my animals, and how we can make the world a better place. That other stuff is junk food that needs to go back in its drawer.” Read the full interview at the link in bio. | Photographed by @BenHassett; Styled by @JuliaVonBoehm

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In 2016, Aniston penned a scathing open letter for the Huffington Post addressing the pregnancy rumors that followed her at the time. “I’m fed up with the sport-like scrutiny and body-shaming that occurs daily. … The objectification and scrutiny we put women through is absurd and disturbing,” she wrote. “The way I am portrayed by the media is simply a reflection of how we see and portray women in general, measured against some warped standard of beauty.”

In the InStyle interview, which was conducted by Aniston’s good friend, screenwriter Molly McNearney, the actress also urged people to look beyond outdated beauty standards in the name of progress. “It’s time to just stop thinking beauty is in the shape of a size 4 and the right butt size and the right waist size and the right measurements,” she said. “It’s just old. We’ve done it. We’ve been there. Let’s move on.”

What do you think of Jennifer Aniston’s comments? Let us know @BritandCo.

(photo via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Turner)

Wait, Glen Powell Dated Nina Dobrev?!

Glen Powell has already had the career of a lifetime, and he's just getting started. Set It Up (the ultimate rom-com), Top Gun: Maverick (the ultimate sequel), and Twisters (the ultimate summer movie) are three of my favorite films of all time, but there's one role he had in 2017 you probably never knew: Nina Dobrev's boyfriend. YUP. Before the Vampire Diaries star got engaged to Shawn White, and before Glen Powell was seen in the back of a car with Lily James, these two were an item.

Let's take a look down memory lane — back to 2017 when Glen Powell & Nina Dobrev dated!

Glen Powell and Nina Dobrev definitely matched each other's energy.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images for InStyle

Glen Powell and Nina Dobrev celebrated a Texas New Year's together in 2017, and then Glen showed up to the premiere of Nina's movie xXx: Return of Xander Cage. Not to mention the fact they were spotted at a Golden Globes afterparty together.

"They have a similar group of friends and have been seeing each other on the low for a little while," a source told E! News, while another said, "All of their friends like them together. They both feel pretty comfortable around each other."

We already know Nina is the master of costumes (see her costumes with fiancé Shawn White for reference), and for Nina's 28th birthday in 2017, she threw a La La Land-themed party, complete with themed outfits — and the iconic pose from the movie poster with Glen.

In July 2017, Glen Powell and Nina Dobrev got very cozy (and goofy) in a photo booth at Julianne Hough's wedding to Brooks Laich. Say what you want about this couple, but they definitely matched each other's energy.

The couple seemingly called it quits by the end of 2017, but have been in the same circles since! They had a great time at the 2020 InStyle and Warner Bros. Golden Globe afterparty and took a pic together at the 2022 Omega Masters. Nina and Shaun are also good friends with Miles and Keleigh Teller, and showed up to the premiere of Top Gun: Maverick in 2022 (which, of course, also stars Glen Powell).

These two are proving you really can be friends with your exes.

Did you know Glen Powell and Nina Dobrev dated? I would have loved to see Glen make a guest appearance on The Vampire Diaries...but maybe they'll work together in the future. Follow us on Instagram for more celebrity relationship news!

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'Gossip Girl' Star Michelle Trachtenberg Passed Away At Age 39

In heartbreaking news, actress Michelle Trachtenberg passed away at age 39. According to PEOPLE, the Gossip Girl and Buffy star was declared deceased on February 26, 2025 by EMS. The NYPD told PEOPLE that "criminality is not suspected," however there was no public cause of death announced. Here's what we know about the tragic events.

Everything we know about Michelle Trachtenberg's devastating death:

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On February 26, 2025, sources told the New York Post that Michelle Trachtenberg's mother found her at 1 Columbus Place at around 8:00am. PEOPLEnoted that police received a 911 call at around 8:00am, and made their way to the residential building in NYC. The NYPD said that police found Michelle (described as the "39-year-old female") to be "unconscious and unresponsive." Once EMS arrived and assessed the situation, they officially pronounced her dead at the scene.

The New York City Medical Examiner has yet to determine — or at least announce — Michelle's cause of death. According to the New York Post , the Ice Princess actress recently had a liver transplant, and sources told them she died of "natural causes." ABC News also noted that the death could be due to post-transplant complications.

NBC reported that Michelle's representative said, "It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at this time."

Michelle is best known for starring in roles such as Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl, as well as Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Other notable roles included Harriet (Harriet the Spy), Maggie (17 Again), Casey Carlyle (Ice Princess), and Jenny (Eurotrip).

Instagram/edwestwick

Former Gossip Girlcostar, Ed Westwick (Chuck Bass) posted his condolences for Michelle's passing. He wrote on Instagram, "So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg. Sending prayers 🙏🤍"

Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, Gossip Girlco-creators, shared a joint statement about Michelle. "We are deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing. Michelle was so funny, kind, and talented," they said. "Her portrayal of Georgina Sparks was an iconic fan favorite, and grew from a one season villain to a beloved character who returned over the course of six seasons. She was a delight to have on set and will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with her family."

Instagram/chacecrawford

Chace Crawford (Nate Archibald, Gossip Girl) posted a moving tribute to Michelle on Instagram, too. He shared three snaps with his former costar, and captioned the post with, "Michelle was one of a kind. I remember her coming on set for the first time and just absolutely owning it. She was a force of nature and just so so unapologetically funny and magnetic.. remembering those years with a big smile. Just a terrible loss. Love you ❤️"

Gossip Girl matriarch, Kelly Rutherford (Lily van der Woodsen) also shared an image of Michelle on her Instagram story. She captioned the post with "🤍🤍🤍🕊️"

And Taylor Momsen, the ever-iconic Jenny Humphrey, shared another photo of Michelle to her Instagram story as well. She wrote on the post, "One of a kind 💔"

Instagram/alysonhannigan

Michelle's former Buffy costars also shared their sympathies for the star's death. James Marsters (Spike) told PEOPLE, "My heart is heavy today. We have lost a beautiful soul. Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny and a very talented person. She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her."

Alyson Hannigan posted a slideshow of photos on Instagram, sharing pictures with Michelle from over the years. She wrote, "I am deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing. She brought a loving energy to the set of Buffy. My thoughts are with Michelle’s family and friends."

20th Century Fox released a statement saying, "Michelle touched a generation of television fans throughout her career, including in her unforgettable role as the independent and strong-willed Dawn Summers in Buffy." (via NBC) Meanwhile, David Boreanaz (Angel) wrote on his Instagram story, "So very sad …horrible news. RIP and prayers to her and her family."

Instagram/kimcattrall

Sex and the Citystar, Kim Cattrall shared her own message on Instagram. She posted a photo of the two of them, with the caption reading, "Rest in peace sweet Michelle 💔" Kim played Michelle's skating coach in the Disney film, Ice Princess.

Rosie O'Donnell — who starred alongside Michelle in Harriet the Spy — told Us Weeklythat this is "heartbreaking." She said, "I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped."

Michelle's Holiday for Love costar, Melissa Gilbert posted on Instagram as well. She shared a still from the movie and wrote,"Oh Michy…and we lived so close to one another…..my heart aches for your family and all those who loved you so… @michelletrachtenberg#ripsweetgirl"

Leslie Mann, Michelle's 17 Again costar, posted an image with she and Michelle to her Instagram story. She shared, "I will miss you, Michelle ❤️"

And SNL star Kenan Thompson wrote on Instagram, "Our first Nick movie star has departed us!! She was my friend and now she rests!! 🙏🏾 Check on your people!!! ❤️"

This story is still unfolding, but our hearts go out to her family, friends, and fans.

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This post has been updated with new information.

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Blake Lively Shares Moving Tribute To Late Michelle Trachtenberg: "She Was Electricity"

Gossip Girlstar, Michelle Trachtenberg passed away on February 26, 2025 — and Blake Lively just paid tribute to her former co-star. Since the tragic news dropped, Michelle's friends continue to pour out support and love, all sharing stories, memories, and more of the late actress. And now, Blake is joining them to honor her friend with a moving tribute on her Instagram story. This is what she had to say.

Here's what Blake Lively shared to honor her late Gossip Girlco-star, Michelle Trachtenberg:

Instagram/blakelively

Blake Lively and Michelle Trachtenberg were both 2000s teen icons in their own rights, but they shared screen time on cult favorite, Gossip Girl. Blake and Michelle played Serena van der Woodsen and Georgina Sparks, respectively, two frenemies that wreak havoc on every Upper East Side bar they stepped foot in.

In her Instagram story, Blake shared a still from their time on the show together. She wrote, "This was the first day I met Michelle. She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed."

"Everything she did, she did 200%. She laughed the fullest at someone's joke, she faced authority head on when she felt something was wrong, she cared deeply about her work, she was proud to be a part of this community and industry as painful as it could be sometimes, she was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved, she was big and bold and distinctly herself," she continued. "And she always had yummy caramel smelling lipgloss on because she didn't just want to sparkle on camera, she liked creating a nice experience for anyone in her orbit, even down to the subtle smell of her lipgloss because she cared about the sweet details."

Blake then noted that Michelle "was a kind person, through and through," — definitely the mark of a good friend.

The It Ends With Us star shared, "Time passes. You take for grated that you get the chance to see an old friend. To paraphrase, the real tragedies in life are the ones that blindside you on an idle Tuesday."

"Hold those you love and have loved dear. The world lost a deeply sensitive and good person in Michelle," she said. "May her work and her huge heart be remembered by those who were lucky enough to experience her fire."

The tribute is incredibly beautiful, to say the least. We hope all of Michelle's family, friends, and fans are taking care of themselves today and always.

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