Julia Roberts Fears for Teens on Social Media

Shamed in a Photo with Niece

Julia Roberts, 56, experienced internet shaming firsthand and now fears for teens on social media. After posing in a candid photo with her niece Emma Roberts, 33, Julia faced harsh criticism online. Despite their busy schedules, Julia and Emma enjoy spending time together, but trolls turned a fun tea party into a source of negativity.

Late to Social Media

Julia joined Instagram in 2018 and now has 12.2 million followers. Reflecting on her experience, she told Oprah Winfrey in a 2018 Harper’s Bazaar interview, “Although something did happen recently on my niece Emma’s Instagram that I think taught me a lot about what it’s like being a young person in today’s society.”

Facing Online Negativity

Emma posted a photo of their tea party, leading to cruel comments about Julia’s appearance. “And the number of people who felt absolutely required to talk about how terrible I looked in the picture—that I’m not aging well, that I look like a man, why would she even post a picture like this when I look that terrible!” Julia was surprised at how deeply the comments affected her. “I’m a 50-year-old woman and I know who I am, and still my feelings got hurt.”

Bonding Despite Trolls

Despite online negativity, Julia and Emma share a strong bond. Julia cherishes their moments together and remains proud of their relationship. “When Emma comes to stay with us, I always think, ‘Please let her be the same,’ and she is still the same magical girl she used to be,” she said.