Michelle Trachtenberg, the actress best known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, passed away in February 2025 at the age of 39. The cause of death has now been confirmed as complications from diabetes, according to the New York City medical examiner’s office.
Trachtenberg was found unresponsive in her Manhattan apartment, and while the initial cause of death was undetermined, recent toxicology tests have provided clarity. The medical examiner’s office confirmed that no foul play was involved, and since there were no signs of criminal activity, they did not perform an autopsy, respecting her family’s wishes. Her family, who follows Orthodox Jewish traditions, had requested no post-mortem examination.
A childhood star who grew into a beloved TV icon, Michelle Trachtenberg leaves behind a lasting impact on entertainmentGetty Images
The actress had been living with diabetes, a chronic condition where the body struggles to regulate blood sugar levels. Complications from the disease can lead to serious health issues, including heart disease, kidney failure, and liver problems. Trachtenberg had reportedly received a liver transplant in the past, though the specifics surrounding the operation remain unclear.
Trachtenberg’s death came as a shock to her fans, many of whom were unaware of her health struggles. Known for her early work as a child star, including her role in Harriet the Spy, she later gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Dawn Summers on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl. Her talent and presence on screen earned her a loyal following and numerous accolades throughout her career.
From Harriet the Spy to Gossip Girl, Michelle Trachtenberg’s acting career captivated generations of viewersGetty Images
In the wake of her death, friends and co-stars, including Blake Lively and Sarah Michelle Gellar, have expressed their grief. Lively, who worked with Trachtenberg on Gossip Girl, described her as someone who approached everything with passion and loyalty. Gellar, who played her sister on Buffy, shared an emotional tribute, reflecting on their deep bond both on and off-screen.
Trachtenberg’s passing brings to light the often-overlooked dangers of diabetes and the importance of managing chronic health conditions. Despite her untimely death, her legacy as a beloved actress and friend continues to inspire those who knew her.
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.