Hugh Grant has inadvertently become the Official Villain of the 2023 Oscars and I’m not OK with it.
The adorable, bumbling British star may have had some indiscretions in the past (ahem, his infamous cheating scandal in 1995, ahem) but I can honestly say Grant is deserving of his redemption arc.
But this year, at the 95th Academy Awards, the Love Actually actor has been vilified on social media for his “painful” red carpet interview with model Ashley Graham.
After their minutes-long tête-à-tête on the red carpet, fans slammed Grant for his seemingly bored and disinterested attitude.
READ MORE: Kate Hudson gently corrects reporter’s ‘awkward’ gaffe
READ MORE: Celebrity bodyguard gobsmacked after turning up to first job
When he was asked who he was rooting for during Hollywood’s night of nights, Grant replied: “No one in particular”.
And when Graham probed him on the designer of his suit, he simply said it was made by “my tailor”.
In return, Twitter users labelled him as a “douche”, an “a–hole” and a “jerk”.
Sure, their chemistry wasn’t off the charts during this awkward little exchange. But I think Grant deserves to sometimes give the absolute bare minimum at these events.
Leave that poor man alone. He’s been working in Hollywood since 1982, has a string of box-office hits to his name and is pretty much universally beloved for his iconic roles.
READ MORE: Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel reignites ‘feud’ with Matt Damon
One three-minute interview on the red carpet certainly isn’t a reflection of his personality or charisma.
Grant didn’t have a lot to say on the subject of the Oscars, and it’s not a surprise. He wasn’t nominated this year and his only link to the Academy Awards was his three-second cameo in the film Glass Onion.
This bizarre habit of fans piling on celebrities on social media is quite unnerving. Step one foot wrong, and suddenly you’re the devil.
“One three-minute interview on the red carpet certainly isn’t a reflection of his personality or charisma.”
If you actually listen to the whole interview closely, you’ll find that Grant made an attempt at intelligent conversation at the very beginning.
When Graham asked what Grant thought of the award ceremony, he cleverly responded: “It’s fascinating. The whole of humanity is here. It’s Vanity Fair.”
The model clearly misinterpreted Grant’s witty reference to the 1848 novel Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackery, mistaking it as a nod to the Oscars after-party hosted by the magazine of the same name.
“Oh yes, it’s all about Vanity Fair, that’s where we need to let loose and have a little fun,” Graham replied.
And that’s when the interview started to go downhill. Grant likely decided he wasn’t exactly gelling with his interviewer, given their awkward rapport.
I’m certainly not trying to criticise Graham or her interviewing style, but this could very well be the result of celebrities stepping into roles normally reserved for professionals.
She did a fine job navigating a tricky interview, but it makes me wonder how a seasoned presenter or interviewer would have fared.
READ MORE: Tiger Woods fires back at ex after she was ‘locked out of house’
Graham also later implied she wasn’t too thrilled with Grant’s answers, telling TMZ:” You know what? My mama told me to kill people with kindness, so there you go.”
It’s a slightly strange response, given Grant was cordial and anything but mean.
But perhaps this is a lesson for all interviewers, entertainment journalists or anyone who interacts with celebrities.
We can’t expect them to be game-ready every single time they have an interaction. Give them a break, let them breathe and just accept it when they aren’t feeling chirpy.
Plus, we all know Grant can turn on the charm when he wants to, after he presented an award on-stage with former co-star Andie MacDowell and made successful several jokes.
And while you’re at it, check out 9Honey Celebrity’s interview with Hugh Grant. He was perfectly lovely then.
For a daily dose of 9Honey, subscribe to our newsletter here