Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in popular TV shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, has passed away at the age of 39. Authorities confirmed that she was found unresponsive in her Manhattan apartment on Wednesday morning. Emergency responders declared her dead at the scene, with officials stating that foul play is not suspected. The exact cause of death remains unknown, but some reports suggest she may have experienced complications following a recent liver transplant.
Born and raised in New York, Trachtenberg entered the entertainment world as a child actor. She gained recognition early on for her lead role in the 1996 film Harriet the Spy, starring alongside Rosie O'Donnell. She also appeared in Nickelodeon’s The Adventures of Pete & Pete, proving her presence in children’s television.
Michelle Trachtenberg, an iconic face from early 2000s television, has passed away at the age of 39Getty Images
Her breakthrough came in 2000 when she joined Buffy the Vampire Slayer as Dawn Summers, the younger sister of the show's titular character. She remained on the series until its conclusion in 2003. Later, she took on the role of Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl, a character known for her manipulative and unpredictable nature. She reprised this role multiple times throughout the show's run and made a brief appearance in its 2022 reboot.
Michelle Trachtenberg’s impact on television and film will never be forgottenGetty Images
Beyond television, Trachtenberg starred in several films, including EuroTrip, Ice Princess, and 17 Again. She also hosted the Discovery Channel’s Truth or Scare, earning a Daytime Emmy nomination for her work. Her most recent major project was hosting the true-crime docuseries Meet, Marry, Murder in 2021.
Fans and co-stars mourn the loss of Michelle Trachtenberg, a cherished talent in film and TVGetty Images
Following the news of her passing, former co-stars and friends paid tribute. Blake Lively, her Gossip Girl co-star, remembered her as someone who gave her all to everything she did. Rosie O’Donnell expressed heartbreak over her loss, sharing that Trachtenberg had struggled in recent years. Fellow Buffy cast members also shared messages of grief, with James Marsters calling her “fiercely intelligent and talented.”
Remembering Michelle Trachtenberg and the impact she left on TV and filmGetty Images
Trachtenberg's impact on television and film spanned decades, leaving behind a legacy cherished by fans and colleagues alike.
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.