Gwyneth Paltrow addresses Meghan Markle comparisons, GOOP’s future, and Hollywood’s evolution
Gwyneth Paltrow is setting the record straight on a range of topics in a new Vanity Fair cover interview, where she discusses her Montecito neighbor Meghan Markle, the evolution of her GOOP lifestyle brand, and reflections on her past relationships with Brad Pitt and Chris Martin. She also shared her thoughts on the impact of the #MeToo movement in Hollywood and how the industry has changed.
Addressing claims that Meghan Markle modelled her Archewell lifestyle brand after GOOP, Paltrow remained diplomatic. “I don’t know Meghan and Harry… I mean, I’ve met Meghan, who seems really lovely, but I don’t know her at all,” she said. “I was raised to see other women as friends, not foes… I think there’s always more than enough to go around. Everybody deserves an attempt at everything they want to try.”
Paltrow also opened up about her relationship with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, with whom she shares two children. Despite their divorce, she emphasized that they remain deeply connected. “It’s not quite brother, but we are complete family… He is there for me through anything, and vice versa,” she shared, reinforcing that their bond has only evolved over time.
Reflecting on her high-profile romance with Brad Pitt, Paltrow compared dating the Hollywood superstar to being linked to royalty. “He’s a very intriguing character… It’s like having dated, I don’t know, Prince William or something. That’s always going to come up.”
Paltrow also shut down speculation that GOOP is struggling financially after recent layoffs, insisting the business remains strong. “Maybe I would care if it was true that we’re doing it because business wasn’t good, but I’m very clear. We are not doing this because the business is faltering,” she stated. “We’re doing this because I need to optimize EBITDA… My business is a good business and it’s a strong business and the brand is strong… Case in point, we’re still here. We just had our best year.”
Speaking on the lasting effects of the #MeToo movement, Paltrow acknowledged that while abuse of power still exists, certain harmful practices in Hollywood have changed. “I think so… There are no meetings set up in hotel rooms anymore, from what I understand, or if there are, it’s multiple people in the room. That bubble has definitely burst… I’m sure people still abuse power in Hollywood because they do everywhere, but it has definitely changed.”
As she reflected on her career and personal growth, Paltrow suggested that her true legacy may not be acting or GOOP, but rather the path she has paved for others. “By some instinct or curiosity or desire, I go somewhere and I hack through the path and I get the scratches of hacking through, but I make space for other people, then, to do it. That’s the point of my life, maybe?”
With her signature mix of confidence and introspection, Paltrow continues to navigate both Hollywood and business on her own terms, embracing the challenges and opportunities that come her way.