Latest news with #Harper'sBazaar
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Inside Aaron Taylor-Johnson's controversial marriage… and how it survived ‘grooming claims' and vile stepdaughter slurs
SHE'S been labelled a 'cradle-snatcher', 'sexual deviant' and even a 'groomer' - while he has been accused of having 'complex mother issues'. Yet stepping out on the red carpet in London earlier this week for the world premiere of his new film 28 Years Later, Sam and Aaron Taylor-Johnson looked unfazed by the furore that's forever stalked their relationship. Advertisement 16 Posing together this week at the 28 Years Later premiere in London, Aaron and Sam Taylor-Johnson looked loved up ahead of celebrating their 13th anniversary on Saturday Credit: Getty 16 The couple started dating in 2009, when Aaron was still a teenager Credit: Getty 16 The couple have been subjected to vile slurs and 'grooming' accusations Credit: Instagram/@aarontaylorjohnson From where they're standing, they've proved the critics wrong. Tomorrow marks their 13th wedding anniversary, after all - an impressive feat by Hollywood standards. Advertisement But it's even more startling considering the never-ending noise surrounding their age-gap romance, and its very unconventional beginning. They first met in 2008, when Aaron, then just 18, was cast in the role of a teenage John Lennon in Sam's directorial debut Nowhere Boy. Filmmaker and double cancer survivor Sam was 41, more than double his age, and had two daughters with her ex-husband, the art dealer Jay Jopling - to whom she was married for 11 years before they 'amicably' split in 2008. While seemingly worlds apart, the pair connected and reportedly got together upon completing their film. As Sam told Harper's Bazaar in 2019, 'We were very professional through the entire film… But everyone on set knew. Advertisement 'And as soon as we finished, he told me he was going to marry me. We had never been on a date, or even kissed.' She was quick to stress the fact that he pursued her, seemingly trying - and failing - to squash the 'granny groomer' accusations swiftly lobbed in her direction. Filming concluded in March and, by June - when Aaron turned 19 - they were stepping out together on date nights. Neither confirmed a romance, but the PDAs did the talking. By their film's premiere in October 2009 they were officially a couple. Advertisement Walking the red carpet arm-in-arm - Sam in a glitzy gold dress and Aaron in a tux - they started as they meant to go on: loud and unapologetic. Needless to say, the reaction was deafening. Comments from the time included: 'She looks like his mum!' and 'How can she do this to him? He's only a child who barely knows his own mind yet.' Double standards Some were also quick to point out that any positive reactions would have been very different were things the other way around. Sam wasn't just more than two decades older than Aaron. She was also wealthier, more established and - with friends like artist Damien Hirst and Elton John - enviably better connected. Advertisement What's more, as the director of his breakout movie, she was effectively his boss. But despite the cascade of 'casting couch' accusations, the couple remained defiant - and a year after they met, Aaron got down on one knee. Critics loudly declared it wouldn't last, with one commenter suggesting: 'Let's see how long he sticks around if he makes it big.' 16 The couple first met on the set of Nowhere Boy, in which a then 18-year-old Aaron played John Lennon Credit: Alamy 16 The couple went official at the Nowhere Boy premiere in October 2009 Credit: PA:Press Association Advertisement 16 Sam received her OBE in 2011 with Aaron and daughters Angelica and Jessie Phoenix by her side Credit: Getty 16 Sam shares her two elder daughters with ex-husband Jay Jopling Credit: Getty Another scoffed: 'I give it three months.' By 2010 they'd welcomed their first child together - daughter Wylda Rae, now 14 - and second daughter Romy followed in January 2012. They married five months later at Babington House in Somerset - a lavish do attended by Beyonce and Elton John - and combined their surnames. They now live down the road in a £1.85m farmhouse in Bruton. Advertisement Aaron claimed he wasn't nervous about fatherhood as he'd already settled into the role of stepdad to Sam's two daughters - Angelica, now 28, and Jessie Phoenix, now 18 - despite the fact that Angelica was only six years his junior. He's made a point of stating he considers them both his own daughters, affectionately calling Jessie his 'babygirl' in an Instagram caption last year to mark her 18th birthday. Obviously any suggestion he's anything more than a loving stepfather is unfounded - which is why the latest slew of rumours surrounding Aaron and his stepdaughter must have stung. Last December Aaron and Sam were joined by Angelica and Jessie Phoenix on the red carpet for the premiere of his movie Kraven The Hunter. 16 Aaron wished his stepdaughter Jessie Phoenix happy birthday last year Credit: Instagram@/aarontaylorjohnson Advertisement 16 Attending the Kraven The Hunter premiere last December with elder daughters Angelica and Jessie Phoenix - in a photo op that sparked controversy Credit: Getty 16 The couple still collaborate on projects - like their 2019 film A Million Little Pieces Credit: Getty Images - Getty Posing for the cameras, Aaron put his arm around Jessie Phoenix and gave her a reassuring stroke on the back. The candid moment - a fatherly gesture no doubt intended to reassure the camera-shy teenager - was catnip to twisted internet trolls who branded the it 'disgusting', while TikTok lit up with clips of the moment. Wild conspiracy theories of an illicit affair flooded the comments, with one commenter questioning: 'Are they flirting?' and another writing: 'What if being with the grandma is all a show and he's with her daughter?' Advertisement A third added: 'If I didn't know their story, I would think that was his girlfriend.' Unsurprisingly the couple, nor their children, dignified the ludicrous furore with a response. Their reaction was the same when, two years ago, vicious rumours swirled that Aaron had an affair with his much younger Bullet Train co-star Joey King, 25. I much prefer being a parent to working. Doesn't everybody? Aaron Taylor-Johnson In his early 20s, father-of-four Aaron claimed he was just as happy playing a stay-at-home dad as he was leading blockbuster films. His early roles in their relationship included Kick Ass, Savages, Anna Karenina and Godzilla. Advertisement When Sam won the highly-contested directing gig for Fifty Shades of Grey in 2015, he took time off to man the fort at home. As he later told The Post, 'I much prefer being a parent to working. Doesn't everybody? The best time I have is with my kids, experiencing their growth and their life with them. I think it's important to have time to enjoy that.' As for Sam, she paid tribute to him while promoting the film, saying, "Being in an amazing relationship, having come out of a difficult one, it felt so good [that he stayed at home while she worked]. 'And I feel like that stability has enabled me to get on with doing this momentous project." She then returned the favour, enabling him to star in 2016's Nocturnal Animals to rave reviews and a Golden Globe Award. Advertisement Paying tribute to his beloved in his speech, he said: "I want to thank my wife for being there with me, supporting me through this. 'Thank you for putting up with me. Jesus, that was not very pleasant in this role, so you're my soulmate and I love you very much… I'm blessed. I have four beautiful daughters: Anjelica, Phoenix, Wylda, and Romy, I love you all very much." Sam has described Aaron as an old soul in a younger man's body, and claims their strong union has come from their ability to ignore the uproar. 16 The couple have been inseparable since the day they met Credit: Getty - Contributor 16 They still post loved-up snaps together Credit: Instagram/@aarontaylorjohnson Advertisement 16 Sam's ex Jay Jopling, now 62, had a fling with Lily Allen, now 40, when she was 23 Credit: Big Pictures In 2017, she said: 'If I gave a second thought to other people, I would be the unhappiest person, probably still in a miserable marriage. 'People like to talk about [the age gap]. I'm like, 'Yeah, but it works better than my last marriage'. It's lasted longer than a lot of my friends' marriages.' Ironically, months before she and Aaron went public, her ex Jay Jopling was embroiled in his own age-gap romance when he was pictured kissing a then 23-year-old Lily Allen in the Caribbean. The fling fizzled out quickly, but he was never tarnished with the same 'groomer' label as Sam. Advertisement Power play Speaking in 2023, Amelia Kelley, a trauma-informed therapist, told Business Insider that criticism surrounding the Taylor-Johnsons was blatant misogyny. "When we see an older woman with a younger man, it underscores that the woman isn't as young as we think they should be,' she said. 'That could be uncomfortable for someone to see.' Yet Elizabeth Jeglic, a professor of psychology at John Jay College in New York, argued against the gendered critique, suggesting it was Sam who could have abused her position of power. "The person who is older tends to be a person who has more power or more experience,' she said. Advertisement 'They often will select individuals who are younger and more inexperienced because they're more vulnerable. And that creates an unequal power dynamic." Aaron's still surprised by the furore and frenzy his age-gap romance stirs up. 16 The happy couple renewed their vows in 2022 Credit: Instagram/@aarontaylorjohnson 16 They also have matching tattoos of each other's names Credit: Instagram/@_dr_woo_ Speaking last year to Rolling Stone, he said, 'What you gotta realise is that what most people were doing in their twenties, I was doing when I was 13. Advertisement 'You're doing something too quickly for someone else? I don't understand that. What speed are you supposed to enjoy life at? It's bizarre to me." General consensus is that Aaron wasn't seeking a mummy figure because of any maternal hole in his life. He's in fact remained incredibly close to his own mother, Sarah, who accompanied him to film sets throughout his young career, taught him 'how to be a man' and has played an active role in raising her grandchildren. As for his early dating life there's no sign of any prior 'older woman fetish', with previous flings including actresses Georgia Groome, 33, and Alice Connor, 34. Likewise, it doesn't seem like Sam was simply looking for someone to baby or boss around. Advertisement She may be a bigwig director, but she's just as happy sharing the spotlight with her incredibly successful, increasingly handsome younger husband. Aaron's role in Danny Boyle's latest epic promises to strengthen his position as one of the UK's most successful actors on both sides of the pond - while whispers that he's favourite to play the next James Bond continue. As the couple hit the red carpet this week, now aged 35 and 58 respectively, one cynic wrote, 'son and great-grandma', while another commented, 'She really got her claws in deep, that one.' But refreshingly, many comments now celebrate the pair, with one writing: 'Good on them for proving haters wrong.' Another added: 'Age is just a number when you love each other as this couple obviously do.' Advertisement It's safe to say they'll never stop courting controversy - as every time they step out together, the public are reminded of how it all began. But over a decade later, the Taylor-Johnsons continue to put two fingers up to their doubters.
Express Tribune
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Miley Cyrus makes light of dating younger men with mom and sister
Miley Cyrus made her first appearance on her mom Tish Cyrus's podcast Sorry We're Cyrus, joining sister Brandi Cyrus for a candid and light-hearted episode that touched on family dynamics, relationships, and a shared dating pattern—all three women are currently in relationships with younger men. During the 1 hour and 36-minute episode, the trio bonded over their similar relationship age gaps, with Brandi playfully pointing out, 'What does it say about the three of us that, technically, we are all cougars?' prompting laughter from Miley and Tish. Miley, 32, is currently dating musician Maxx Morando, 26, whom she's been linked to since late 2021. Brandi, 38, is in a relationship with Matt Southcombe, 36, while Tish, 58, married actor Dominic Purcell, 55, in 2023. The women took the age difference in stride, joking about the generational quirks that come with dating younger partners. Miley also opened up about her own experience with the age gap in her relationship, referencing her November 2023 Harper's Bazaar interview. 'He looks at life really differently than I do,' she shared. 'He grew up with a laptop. I had a desktop computer that I shared with my brothers and sisters.' Beyond the laughs, Miley's appearance also served to subtly shut down ongoing rumours of a rift between her and her mother. The episode marked a rare and heartfelt on-air moment for the Cyrus women, offering a glimpse into their close-knit relationship and their ability to keep things real—and funny.
Perth Now
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
FKA twigs designs 'sensual and strong' sneakers
FKA twigs has co-designed a pair of "sensual and strong" sneakers for activewear brand ON. The 37-year-old pop star teamed up with the company last year as a creative partner and she's starred in several campaigns but has now helped create a new capsule collection which reflects her busy lifestyle including the Cloud x FKA shoe - which retail for £170 - and the singer admits she wanted the pieces to be able to to take her from rehearsals to meetings and studio sessions. She said in a statement: "I live a busy and varied life, often moving between training, meetings, and studio sessions in a single day. I wanted to create pieces that could move with me through those shifts - pieces that feel sensual and strong, and reflect all the different sides of who I am. "This capsule collection is about feeling confident in your body and free to express yourself -- whether you're dancing, creating, or just moving through your day." A statement posted by ON on Instagram added: "A collection that explores movement as a source of constant transformation. Inspired by dance, designed for self-expression." The collection also includes the Studio Bra FKA (£75) which is designed to provide "no feel" comfort as well as the Studio Short FKA (£85) which is a hybrid of shorts and a skirt. Other pieces co-designed by the singer include tights, a long-sleeved T-shirt, a cropped hoodie, a scarf, headband and socks. The capsule collection is due to be released by the end of June. The singer previously revealed she is as meticulous about her beauty regime as she is about her fashion choices, FKA Twigs admitted she has a "vigorous" routine using "healing" products as part of a self-care ritual, telling Harper's Bazaar: "I express myself through ritual; for me it's not really about the end result, it's knowing that every single day I'm doing something to take care of myself." Twigs went on to reveal she uses Amala Pro Retinoic Treatment Oil which is packed full of 23K Gold as well as plant seeds and oils and retails at around £195. She also uses the £515 FaceGym Pro which is described as "a non-invasive facial device that uses electrical muscle stimulation to strengthen, tone and sculpt the face". She said of the gadget: "It basically lifts your face an inch ... it's like a mini facelift." The singer concluded by insisting she now has a much healthier approach to looking after herself, adding: "I used to be really hard on myself to be perfect, or have perfect skin or perfect hair, or be a certain weight. I don't feel like that anymore ... (self-care) alleviates a lot of the pressure of the usual beauty standards that I think we can all fall in a trap with".
South Wales Guardian
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
AI and photo filters lead to people becoming boring-looking
The actress, who stars in forthcoming film The Naked Gun, said she feels 'freedom' in walking a red carpet without make-up on. She told Harper's Bazaar: 'I think that with AI technology and filters, people are becoming kind of boring-looking. I want to challenge beauty norms. I've always been a rebel. 'It's freedom to know you can walk on a red carpet without a stitch of make-up on. I mean, why can't I? Men do it all the time.' Anderson, whose career has been experiencing a resurgence in recent years, appears in The Naked Gun reboot alongside Irish actor Liam Neeson – due to be released this summer. 'It's going to show a different side of me,' she told the magazine. 'I feel every film I do lately is healing various parts of me. And you need a big, messy life to draw from if you want to make these kinds of things interesting.' She went on: 'I love being in a creative space. That's my happy place. I love poetry, film and music, and I feel like I'm just trying to live this part of my life as authentically as possible. 'I don't know what my next incarnation will be, but right now, I want to peel it back. Clean up a little bit and just see: who am I?' Anderson, who was a Playboy model before being propelled to fame in her role as lifeguard CJ Parker in Baywatch in the 1990s, has two sons with ex-husband Tommy Lee. In 2022, her private life was shone under the spotlight once again, with the TV series Pam & Tommy dramatising their whirlwind romance. Anderson made her Broadway debut playing Roxie Hart in the musical Chicago in 2022, and last year she starred in film The Last Showgirl, which led to her being nominated for a Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild award. Anderson, who appears on the cover of the July/August issue of Harper's Bazaar, told the magazine: 'I feel like because I've been given this second chance – not everybody gets one – I get to do it my way.' Harper's Bazaar UK is on sale from June 19.
Leader Live
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
AI and photo filters lead to people becoming boring-looking
The actress, who stars in forthcoming film The Naked Gun, said she feels 'freedom' in walking a red carpet without make-up on. She told Harper's Bazaar: 'I think that with AI technology and filters, people are becoming kind of boring-looking. I want to challenge beauty norms. I've always been a rebel. 'It's freedom to know you can walk on a red carpet without a stitch of make-up on. I mean, why can't I? Men do it all the time.' Anderson, whose career has been experiencing a resurgence in recent years, appears in The Naked Gun reboot alongside Irish actor Liam Neeson – due to be released this summer. 'It's going to show a different side of me,' she told the magazine. 'I feel every film I do lately is healing various parts of me. And you need a big, messy life to draw from if you want to make these kinds of things interesting.' She went on: 'I love being in a creative space. That's my happy place. I love poetry, film and music, and I feel like I'm just trying to live this part of my life as authentically as possible. 'I don't know what my next incarnation will be, but right now, I want to peel it back. Clean up a little bit and just see: who am I?' Anderson, who was a Playboy model before being propelled to fame in her role as lifeguard CJ Parker in Baywatch in the 1990s, has two sons with ex-husband Tommy Lee. In 2022, her private life was shone under the spotlight once again, with the TV series Pam & Tommy dramatising their whirlwind romance. Anderson made her Broadway debut playing Roxie Hart in the musical Chicago in 2022, and last year she starred in film The Last Showgirl, which led to her being nominated for a Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild award. Anderson, who appears on the cover of the July/August issue of Harper's Bazaar, told the magazine: 'I feel like because I've been given this second chance – not everybody gets one – I get to do it my way.' Harper's Bazaar UK is on sale from June 19.
