Angelina Jolie is reportedly reeling from her unexpected exclusion from this year’s Academy Award nominations for Maria, despite critical acclaim for her portrayal of opera legend Maria Callas. Sources claim Jolie believes her ex-husband Brad Pitt orchestrated a silent campaign to keep her out of Hollywood’s most prestigious race.
Jolie and Pitt’s turbulent relationship, which ended in a highly publicised 2016 split and a divorce finalised in 2019, continues to be a topic of contention. Their disputes, including allegations of abuse on a 2016 flight, have reportedly strained Pitt’s relationship with their children, who has distanced themselves from him and even dropped his last name.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt during an earlier public appearance before their highly publicized splitGetty Images
According to insiders, Jolie saw Maria as her big return to the Hollywood elite. “She was confident this performance would cement her status as a powerhouse again,” a source revealed. “To be completely ignored has left her convinced Brad wielded his influence against her.” The actress reportedly believes Pitt has spent years tarnishing her reputation, painting her as the antagonist in their split and quietly turning the industry against her.
Complicating matters further is the Jennifer Aniston part. Rumours suggest that Pitt’s first wife, who has never fully forgiven Jolie for the 2005 Mr. & Mrs. Smith scandal, has played a role in Hollywood’s shifting perception of her. “Jennifer still holds resentment, and many industry heavyweights are on her side,” an insider claimed.
Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston photographed together at a past event, as their history resurfaces in the ongoing feud speculationGetty Images
Despite missing out on an Oscar nod, Jolie was nominated for a Golden Globe but lost to Fernanda Torres for I’m Still Here. The setback has allegedly reignited her frustrations with the industry, leading her to reconsider her future in Hollywood. “She’s long been disillusioned with the business, and this may be the final straw,” a source noted, hinting that Jolie may pivot towards her humanitarian work instead.
Meanwhile, sources close to Pitt deny any involvement, dismissing the idea that he would interfere with Jolie’s career. As speculation swirls, one thing is certain, the enduring tension between Jolie and Pitt continues to be a talk in Hollywood, keeping their fractured history always in the limelight.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.