Anne Hathaway has reportedly reacted strongly to renewed “mean girl” labels circulating online, even as she enjoys a career resurgence with major recent and upcoming film releases, including The Devil Wears Prada 2.
The actress is said to be struggling emotionally as old controversies resurface on social media.
According to a report by Radar Online, the 43-year-old Hollywood star has been making efforts to move past a difficult phase earlier in her career when she faced intense online trolling.
A source said Hathaway had been trying to leave behind what they described as a period where she became “the internet’s favorite punching bag,” referring to backlash linked to her Oscar night co-hosting in 2011 and her 2013 Best Actress acceptance speech.
The insider added that Hathaway believed she had moved beyond that phase, making the renewed criticism particularly upsetting.
‘Negativity is creeping back in’
Despite her current strong position in Hollywood, the report claims Hathaway remains sensitive to public perception and online commentary.
“There’s huge excitement around Devil Wears Prada 2, but instead she feels like the negativity is creeping back in all over again,” the source said, adding that it has taken away some of the positivity surrounding her recent success.
The actress is said to feel unsettled as online users revisit past moments and reframe them in a negative light.
Viral posts and ‘mean girl energy’ claims
The renewed criticism reportedly intensified after Hathaway’s viral 2026 Met Gala appearance alongside Blake Lively, where social media users dissected her behavior and appearance, sparking discussions around “mean girl energy.”
The insider claimed the reaction has brought back uncomfortable memories for Hathaway, who was previously labeled as “fake” during earlier controversies in her career.
Emotional toll behind the fame
According to the report, Hathaway is trying to stay focused on her professional achievements, but the renewed wave of criticism has reportedly affected her emotionally.
“The thought of going through that all over again is terrifying,” the source said, adding that she is attempting to remain positive during what should otherwise be a celebratory period in her career.
The insider also noted that the actress is deeply affected by negativity, which makes the situation more difficult for her to ignore.
Despite the online backlash, Hathaway continues to maintain a packed professional schedule.
She has already appeared in Mother Mary (released April 17) and The Devil Wears Prada 2 (released May 1), both of which added momentum to her career comeback.
Her upcoming projects include Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey (July 17), Flowervale Street (August 14), and a screen adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s Verity (October 2), positioning her for one of her busiest years yet.
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