Have you heard the latest? Gwyneth Paltrow is upset with Graydon Carter, the editor of celebrity lifestyle magazine "Vanity Fair," because he is planning a story about her that is reportedly unflattering.
One news source believes the magazine will delve into Paltrow’s former friendship with pop icon Madonna. Another says it will report about an alleged affair in 2008 with a then-single Miami billionaire.
Celebrities, once lulled into a false sense of security by the magazine’s celeb-friendly tone, are now on the defensive. It is unclear why the magazine is featuring Paltrow now. Usually an actor is featured on the cover to coincide with a film release. IMDB does not list anything upcoming for Paltrow. It’s well known that the media usually writes about a celebrity when there is something to promote; a film, TV series, or book. But sometimes celebrity mags will slap a star on the cover to secure more sales.
Vanity Fair featured Paltrow on five covers, including September 2000, weeks before her film "Duets," was released. In February 2004, she graced the cover months after starring in "Sylvia," and was topless on a 2011 cover for a special jewelry edition.
So why the article now? Paltrow hasn’t had a headlining role since her 2003 portrayal of suicidal writer Sylvia Plath. I know what you’re going to say, but 2010’s "Country Strong" was more of an ensemble and her Pepper Potts character is clearly a supporting cast member in the "Ironman" franchise.
Gwyneth reportedly scaled back on acting so she could focus on being a mom. She has also diversified her portfolio by authoring cookbooks and maintaining her London-based "goop" blog. And her husband is Chris Martin of Coldplay. In other words, she’s not hurting for money, or attention.
So I ask again, why now?
The New York Times reported that newsstand sales have declined 32.9 percent in the last five years.
Did Gwyneth rub Graydon Carter the wrong way? For those of you who don’t know, he wields a lot of power and influence in Hollywood. His magazine sponsors the prestigious "Vanity Fair" post Oscar party and he is an investor in restaurants that often serve as venues for industry parties.
Here’s where it gets tricky. Carter is not a journalist. If he were then his affiliations in the entertainment industry would be a conflict of interest. He is an industry insider. Some would say he is a celebrity in his own right. Others will say he’s a celebrity in his own mind. I do not know. I am neither a friend nor fan. But just to be clear, he is not the one writing the article.
In all fairness, the magazine has written some award-winning articles, including a few by columnist Christopher Hitchens.
Celebrities starting out will do all kinds of press to promote their careers. Once they reach a certain level, they try to control their image. Some publications will cater to celebrities and allow them to dictate or approve the content.
I feel for GP. She asked her celebrity pals not to participate in the article. That is understandable, but her recommendation for them to "…never do this magazine again," is going too far.
The article is being labeled as "unauthorized" by Paltrow. I hate to break it to you Gwynnie, the media does not need your authorization to write about you. Unfortunately, her actions forced the hand of the magazine. The article must go on, otherwise it would give the appearance that they were kowtowing to her. That would be setting a bad precedent and cause other celebs to follow suit.
One news source suggested the feud may be a clever plot to sell magazines and provide Paltrow with some attention. She’s no stranger to gossip. Her public relationships with Brad Pitt and Ben Affleck and her feuds with Kate Moss and Madonna have made headlines. And she disagreed with a New York Times article that stated her cookbook "My Father's Daughter," was written with the aide of a ghost writer. Paltrow claimed, "I wrote every word myself."
You know what they say, any press is good press. But in this case, I doubt it.
VF is reportedly delving into an alleged affair she had in 2008 with a then-single billionaire. If Gwyneth and Chris are together and happy, whether she had an affair or not, then why go there? It looks like a desperate move for the prestigious magazine, especially when the accusation alone could damage a family. Gwyneth and Chris have two kids, Apple, 9, and Moses, 7. They will be the real victims of this article.
Call out a celeb for being late to the set, or having ridiculous demands or who regularly lash out at their co-stars and crew. That is relevant and newsworthy in the entertainment industry. But leave the personal business out of the article.
Disclaimer: I do not subscribe to Vanity Fair and I am not a fan (or a friend) of Gwyneth Paltrow.
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