Jennifer Aniston’s ex-husband proposed to a young actress at a film festival, prompting a wave of online comments. Some people think the couple has a little more to share besides their exciting engagement news.
Congratulations to Hollywood stars Justin Theroux, 53, and Nicole Brydon Bloom, 30, who recently got engaged in Italy. While the news is certainly a cause for celebration, social media users have much to say about the duo’s over-20-year age gap and believe Bloom might be expecting.
User comment about Justin Theroux and Nicole Brydon Bloom, posted on August 29, 2024 | Source: Instagram/people
According to news reports, “The Girl on the Train” star popped the question amid his and Bloom’s attendance at the Venice Film Festival. The two were there for the premiere of Theroux’s new film “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.”
Justin Theroux and Nicole Brydon Bloom at the premiere of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” during the 81st Venice International Film Festival in Venice, Italy on August 28, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Upon hearing about the future husband and wife’s engagement news, netizens took to the comment sections of online platforms to assert their opinions. Many believe that Bloom is too young for Theroux.
“A bit too young! Sorry,” wrote an observer, while another remarked, “Is that his daughter? Lol.” “He looks so old next to her,” commented an Instagram user.
Justin Theroux and Nicole Brydon Bloom at the UK premiere of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” in London, England on August 29, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
On the other hand, some spectators are under the impression that Bloom may have a little bun in the oven. A few netizens based their claims on the fact that they saw Bloom holding her stomach in some of the pictures shared of the couple at the festival.
Justin Theroux and Nicole Brydon Bloom | Source: Getty Images
“Is she covering her stomach because she is pregnant [?]” pondered someone on X. “Is she pregnant?” asked a social media user. In response, another said, “Absolutely looks like it.” Jumping on the pregnancy speculation bandwagon, someone else asserted, “I guess he wants babies.”
Justin Theroux and Nicole Brydon Bloom | Source: Getty Images
Amid the criticism and speculation, one admirer sang the pair’s praises with, “Awwww what a beautiful couple! Congratulations to them!” Aside from debuting their engagement, Justin Theroux also shared some details about what plans he and Bloom have coming up.
Justin Theroux and Nicole Brydon Bloom at the Frame x Amelia Gray Dinner in Los Angeles, California on April 4, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Reportedly, while the actor was signing autographs for fans at the Venice Film Festival, he spoke to a media outlet about how he and his new fiancée plan on “vacationing a little,” which they will do in addition to attending events.
Nicole Brydon Bloom and Justin Theroux at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, California on March 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The confirmation of the couple’s engagement comes after Bloom was seen flaunting her gorgeous diamond engagement ring while on the red carpet. Pictures of her doing so sparked a flurry of comments online.
Nicole Brydon Bloom and Justin Theroux hold hands on the red carpet for the premiere of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” during the 81st Venice International Film Festival in Venice, Italy on August 28, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Both Theroux and Bloom dressed to impress, with the “Mulholland Drive” actor opting for a custom cream Zegna suit jacket paired with a high-collar shirt. He completed the look with Tiffany & Co. jewelry and his signature scruffy beard.
Justin Theroux and Nicole Brydon Bloom | Source: Getty Images
Bloom dazzled in a sleeveless white Akris dress that highlighted her toned arms. The dress featured a high neck and a slit in the back, and she wore her brunette hair slicked back in an elegant updo. The couple’s coordinated outfits turned heads, but it was the sparkling ring on Bloom’s left hand that truly stole the spotlight.
Justin Theroux and Nicole Brydon Bloom | Source: Getty Images
Bloom’s ring is a custom piece designed by Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry. It features a 4-carat, emerald cut, flawless diamond set in platinum with 18-carat yellow gold inlay. It also includes the couple’s birthstones embedded in the band, adding a personal touch to the already eye-catching piece.
Nicole Brydon Bloom flashing her ring during the Venice premiere of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.” | Source: Youtube/entertainmenttonight
However, what really caught fans’ attention was the ring’s striking resemblance to the one Theroux gave Aniston when they got engaged.
Justin Theroux and Jennifer Aniston at the 85th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on February 24, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
The similarities between the two rings have fueled comparisons, with fans commenting on social media about how the new ring looks almost identical to Aniston’s. One observer remarked, “Oh wow, that looks [sic] the ring he gave Jen Aniston.”
Justin Theroux and Jennifer Aniston at the 2015 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Graydon Carter at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on February 22, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
In addition to the ring, fans also had more to say about the couple’s age gap and how Bloom compares to Theroux’s former wife. On social media, opinions were divided.
Justin Theroux and Nicole Brydon Bloom | Source: Getty Images
Some criticized the age difference, with one person commenting, “Wow, it just seems like more older guys are marrying younger gals… I mean he’s 50 and she’s 30?”
Justin Theroux and Nicole Brydon Bloom | Source: Getty Images
Another social media user labeled the actor a “sugar daddy” who isn’t “useful” because “he uses his ex[‘s] connections,” alluding to Aniston’s involvement in co-founding a production company connected to “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.”
Meanwhile, others defended the relationship. “53 is not old. I see a bunch of old jealous biddes [in] the comments. Get over yourselves. They are happy,” one fan remarked, while another observed, “He looks happier [than] he did with Jennifer Aniston [that’s] for sure [sic].” A commenter added, “Certainly a huge step from his ex.”
Nicole Brydon Bloom and Justin Theroux at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, California on March 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images | Source: Getty Images
Some were even surprised to learn about the engagement, with one writing, “And I thought he was still married to Jennifer,“ while another tweeted, “So this will be his first real marriage.
Theroux and Bloom were first linked romantically in February 2023 when they were spotted together at a Netflix event in New York City. The duo spent the night socializing with friends, including “The Gilded Age” actress Louisa Jacobson, with whom Bloom works on the HBO series.
Justin Theroux, Tan France, Louisa Jacobson and Nicole Brydon Bloom at the Netflix “Next In Fashion” event at Zero Bond in New York City on February 27, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Their relationship became more public in August 2023, when they were seen sharing a kiss during a date night at a Manhattan restaurant. By December 2023, Theroux accompanied Bloom to her twin sister’s wedding. The couple made their red carpet debut in March 2024 at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
Nicole Brydon Bloom and Justin Theroux at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Theroux and Bloom were also spotted in June wearing sporty outfits as they strolled along the street. A few months earlier, in April, they were photographed looking cozy during a dinner event at Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles.
Justin Theroux and Nicole Brydon Bloom at the Frame x Amelia Gray dinner held at Chateau Marmont on April 4, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Their appearance at the Venice Film Festival in August 2024, where Bloom was first spotted with the engagement ring, further fueled speculation about their relationship’s seriousness.
While engagement rumors swirled following their Venice outing, People magazine confirmed the news. Theroux, who has previously spoken about his preference for keeping his relationships private, seems to have found happiness with Bloom.
Justin Theroux and Nicole Brydon Bloom on a date night | Source: instagram/n.brydonbloom
In a May 2023 interview with Esquire, he mentioned, “I want all of my relationships to exist within the four walls of whatever room we’re in…It’s much more fun not being in a public relationship.” Despite this, their engagement has certainly captured the public’s attention.
Theroux’s relationship with Bloom inevitably brings to mind his high-profile marriage to Aniston. The pair wed in August 2015, after being engaged for nearly three years. However, their marriage ended in February 2018, with both parties citing busy schedules and distance as contributing factors to their split.
Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux attending Jason Bateman’s star unveiling ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California on July 26, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Since his divorce, Theroux has been more guarded about his personal life. His relationship with Bloom is the most serious one he has been in since his split from Jennifer Aniston, and the engagement marks a new chapter for the actor.