Julia Roberts Recalls The Time She Showed Off Armpit Hair On The Red Carpet And People Lost Their Dang Minds

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Many people enjoy watching celebrities at red carpet events, and following celebrity fashion is a popular hobby. It’s common for stars to wear outfits that get people talking, sometimes because of how much skin they show. Years ago, Julia Roberts caused a sensation when she intentionally didn’t shave her armpits for a movie premiere, and she’s since talked about the controversy it created.

What Julia Roberts Has Said About Her Infamous Armpit Hair Moment

It’s common for celebrities to spark controversy with their fashion choices. Think of the reactions to sheer outfits worn by Dakota Johnson, the attention-grabbing styles of Sydney Sweeney, Bianca Censori’s bold looks, or even Kim Kardashian’s designs for SKIMS. Unfortunately, the discussion often turns critical and focuses on the person wearing the clothes, rather than the fashion itself.

Here’s what happened at the London premiere of Julia Roberts’ hit movie, Notting Hill, back in 1999. Roberts, known for her style (and recently for a unique take on dressing), wore a cute, sparkly red dress by Vivienne Tam. However, as she later told Vogue, a simple wave is what caused all the trouble.

I raised my hand to wave, and people noticed I hadn’t shaved my armpits. It caused quite a stir. I could easily shock some people even now if I removed my jacket.

It’s difficult for younger people to understand the strong negative reaction when Julia Roberts, while playing Erin Brockovich, showed her armpit hair. Today, actresses like Rachel McAdams commonly choose not to shave and openly display it. However, back then, it was a major event and actually made headlines. Let’s revisit just how much armpit hair the star had at the time. Take a look:

I was shocked to hear a small amount of underarm hair described as “a bushel” – as if it were a harvest to be sold – and labeled “unhygienic,” along with other unfair and frankly sexist comments. If having a little underarm hair makes someone unclean, then the same could be said for many men, who generally aren’t expected to shave their bodies. It’s a double standard.

Some people interpreted the decision as a feminist gesture, but Roberts clarified in a 2018 interview on the show Busy Tonight (according to People magazine) that she didn’t intend to make any statement with it. She explained:

I remember that moment very clearly. I hadn’t thought through how my sleeves would move and what that might show about me. It wasn’t a deliberate act, more just a natural expression of who I am.

So, after reading Julia Roberts’ recent interview with Vogue, I think what she’s getting at is she just doesn’t bother shaving her armpits regularly, and honestly, that’s totally fine with me – and it should be fine with everyone else! Seriously, if we can’t all make our own choices about something as personal as body hair, then we’re definitely focusing on the wrong priorities.

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2025-11-12 23:40