Picture this: Julia Roberts, the timeless Hollywood superstar, opens up about the wild tabloid tales that have dogged her for years—and shockingly, the rumor that stings the most isn't about scandalous affairs or substance abuse, but something as simple as being tardy to set. It's a revelation that pulls back the curtain on how even the most beloved celebrities grapple with public perception. But here's where it gets controversial—could a seemingly minor accusation like punctuality really trump something as serious as drug addiction in someone's emotional ledger? Let's dive into the juicy details from her recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live, and explore why this Hollywood icon is speaking out now.
Julia Roberts has been a fixture in the spotlight for decades, so it's no surprise that the tabloids have spun some truly bizarre stories about her life. During the Wednesday night episode of Watch What Happens Live's After Show on October 8, the actress spilled the beans on the most outrageous rumors she's encountered, offering a candid glimpse into the absurdity of celebrity gossip.
She kicked things off by laughing off claims that she's dated countless men she's never even crossed paths with. 'All tabloid stuff is pretty wild,' she quipped. 'I've supposedly gone out with guys I've never met, and plenty of them. I just thought, "That sounds fun!" But nope, not a shred of truth to it.'
Then came the heavier stuff: accusations of being a drug addict or habitually showing up late to work. Roberts firmly denied both, but here's the part most people miss—she revealed that the tardiness rumor hit her harder than the drug one. 'Being late to work? I've never done that,' she explained. 'Honestly, it bothered me more than being called a drug addict because it clashes with my core values.' For beginners in the world of celebrity interviews, this highlights how personal integrity can feel more threatened by everyday lapses in professionalism than by sensational vices. Imagine if your reputation hinged on being seen as reliable—being labeled as flaky could feel like a direct attack on your work ethic, right?
On the drug front, Roberts clarified she's not a regular user, but she did experiment once with marijuana alongside a friend who was an avid smoker. 'It just felt like, "Sure, why not?" And then I was like, "Whoa, what's going on?!" It's definitely not for me,' she shared. Instead, her go-to drinks are a classic red wine or a refreshing vodka soda—simple pleasures that align with her laid-back yet disciplined lifestyle.
Roberts was in the Bravo Clubhouse to chat about her upcoming film, After the Hunt, where she stars alongside rising talent Ayo Edebiri from The Bear. Of course, host Andy Cohen, the king of reality TV, couldn't resist getting her take on the Real Housewives franchise, especially since Roberts is a self-proclaimed fan.
When asked about Lisa Barlow from The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City hosting a lunch to defend herself against business-related legal rumors, Roberts didn't hold back. 'I caught a sneak peek where Lisa rolled out this huge poster board, like a full PowerPoint on her innocence. If you're banging the drum that loudly, it probably means you're hiding something,' she said. This take sparks debate: Is over-explaining a sign of guilt, or just a savvy PR move in the cutthroat world of reality TV? It's a classic example of how public defenses can backfire, turning a simple clarification into a spectacle.
And this is the part that might ruffle some feathers—Roberts also sided with Julia Lemigova from The Real Housewives of Miami during the reunion, fully believing her claim that she and Adriana de Moura had an intimate encounter. 'One hundred percent, yes,' Roberts affirmed, pointing to de Moura's reaction as the giveaway. 'That response said it all.' For those new to the drama, this underscores the intrigue of reunion episodes, where body language and denials can fuel endless speculation. But is it fair to judge based on a single reaction, or does it invite unfair assumptions?
Watch What Happens Live continues to air every Sunday through Thursday at 10 p.m. ET on Bravo, with new episodes dropping on Peacock the following day for those who prefer streaming.
What are your thoughts on Julia Roberts' revelations? Do you think being accused of being late to work really is more upsetting than drug rumors, or is that just her perspective? And on the Real Housewives hot takes—guilty until proven innocent, or overkill? Share your opinions in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have your own celebrity rumor stories to tell!
