Anne Hathaway, the Oscar-winning actress known for her roles in The Devil Wears Prada and Les Misérables, recently extended an unexpected apology to journalist Kjersti Flaa for an interview that took place over a decade ago. Flaa, who had shared a clip of their 2012 interview on TikTok, revealed that Hathaway reached out with a heartfelt apology that took her by surprise.
The TikTok video, where Flaa shared the awkward exchange, quickly gained traction online. In it, Hathaway appears less than enthusiastic about the lighthearted tone Flaa tried to set. Flaa’s TikTok followers were quick to label the interview as “cringe,” sparking widespread discussion.
The video also brought to light Flaa’s difficult experiences in celebrity journalism, including a challenging interview with Blake Lively that nearly led her to quit her career.
The 2012 Interview: A Brief Yet Awkward Exchange
The original interview clip shared by Flaa occurred while Hathaway was promoting Les Misérables, a film for which she later won an Academy Award. In the video, Flaa attempted to lighten the mood by asking Hathaway to sing the answers to her questions.
“I was going to sing the question to you and you can sing back the answer,” Flaa joked. Hathaway, however, wasn’t receptive to the idea. She replied, “Well I won’t be doing that, but you’re more than welcome to sing,” with a tone that suggested she wasn’t interested in humor.
As the interview continued, Flaa posed a few personal questions, asking Hathaway if she remembered her first crush and whether she believed “love was more passionate” during the time period in which Les Misérables was set.
Hathaway responded with brief, seemingly uninterested answers, simply replying, “No.” Flaa later admitted to her followers that the interview “didn’t go as planned” and encouraged them to watch the full “cringe” clip on her YouTube channel.
Anne Hathaway
Anne Hathaway’s Unexpected Apology
The real twist in this story came when Flaa received an email from Hathaway’s representative, just one day after the TikTok video went viral.
The email contained a personal apology from Hathaway, explaining her behavior during the interview. Flaa, visibly moved, shared her reaction in a follow-up TikTok, saying she was “shocked” to have received any response, let alone a heartfelt apology.
“It was a very personal note and we decided that I wouldn’t share exactly what was in the email,” Flaa explained to her followers. “But I just wanted to share with you guys what she did because I thought that was just so amazing.”
According to Flaa, Hathaway’s email wasn’t just a standard apology; it included a detailed account of what the actress was going through at the time. Hathaway expressed her regret over the way she had handled the interview and took responsibility for the uncomfortable experience.
This response left Flaa touched, almost to the point of tears. “Just talking about it makes me almost teary-eyed. I was just so grateful that she did that,” Flaa said.
Kjersti Flaa’s Experiences with Celebrity Interviews
Flaa’s emotional reaction to Hathaway’s apology is partly rooted in her past challenges as a celebrity journalist. In August, Flaa opened up about another difficult interview with actress Blake Lively, which she described as a “nightmare.”
Flaa revealed that the experience with Lively was so discouraging that she almost quit journalism entirely.
In the Blake Lively interview, Flaa encountered resistance from the actress, whom she described as closed-off and uncooperative. This experience had a significant impact on her career, as it left her questioning her ability to continue in the industry.
Given this context, Hathaway’s apology took on an even deeper meaning for Flaa, as it demonstrated a rare moment of empathy and accountability from a high-profile celebrity.
Blake Lively
The Power of an Apology
Anne Hathaway’s decision to reach out highlights the impact that a simple apology can have, particularly in an industry where public figures are often under intense pressure.
In this case, Hathaway’s gesture not only mended fences but also provided Flaa with validation for her experiences. Flaa’s initial post had been intended to share a lighthearted look back at an awkward interview, but it ultimately led to an unexpectedly personal connection.
Flaa mentioned that she responded to Hathaway’s email, thanking her for the apology and suggesting the possibility of a future interview. “I responded to her, and I let her know how much her email meant to me,” Flaa shared.
By opening the door for a future conversation, Flaa has left room for potential reconciliation and perhaps even collaboration in the future.
A Lesson in Growth and Empathy
The incident between Hathaway and Flaa offers a valuable lesson in humility and growth. Hathaway, who has evolved significantly in her career since 2012, demonstrated that it’s never too late to make amends.
Public figures are often put on pedestals, but Hathaway’s willingness to acknowledge her past actions and apologize shows a level of self-awareness that’s both rare and commendable.
As the story has spread online, many have praised Hathaway for taking responsibility and for showing empathy toward Flaa.
In an industry where egos can often run high, Hathaway’s gesture has resonated with fans and industry insiders alike. It serves as a reminder that even small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on others.
Moving Forward: What’s Next for Hathaway and Flaa?
While the apology has certainly sparked renewed interest in Hathaway, it also provides an opportunity for both her and Flaa to move forward. For Hathaway, the apology marks a moment of closure and growth, allowing her to put the past behind her.
For Flaa, it has provided validation and support, as well as a reminder that even in difficult moments, people are capable of growth and change.
As for what the future holds, Flaa has expressed interest in sitting down with Hathaway again. This time, it would be on different terms, with both parties having grown and learned from their previous encounter. Such a reunion could offer them a chance to delve deeper into Hathaway’s journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
Ultimately, the story of Anne Hathaway’s apology to Kjersti Flaa is a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and humility.
By reaching out, Hathaway has shown that celebrities are capable of self-reflection and that even in an industry as challenging as Hollywood, people can still find moments of genuine connection and understanding. As both Hathaway and Flaa move forward, they do so with a renewed sense of appreciation for each other and for the power of a simple apology