Hollywood Actress Slammed After Horrible Tribute to Late Reality TV Co-Star: ‘Theater Kid Behaviour’
Julia Stiles delivered a moving performance on Dancing with the stars October 20 in honor of his deceased 10 things I hate about you co-star Heath Ledger.
Initially, the tribute received a positive response, with several netizens saying it took them “back to their teenage years”.
However, the conversation took a different turn in the days that followed.
Highlights
Julia Stiles reunited with five 10 Things I Hate About You co-stars to honor Heath Ledger on Dancing With the Stars.
Some viewers accused the actress of using Ledger’s memory for fame, pointing out their lack of contact after filming.
Stiles revealed that preparing for the tribute brought up some unexpected emotions and that she sought approval from Michelle Williams beforehand.
The actress now faces backlash from viewers who think the performance was too attention-seeking.
“Theatre kid behavior,” one X user wrote.
Julia Stiles reunited with her 10 Things I Hate About You co-stars for a reality TV tribute to Heath Ledger
Stiles and his dance partner, Ezra Sosa, performed contemporary choreography to Frankie Valli’s 1967 hit. I can’t take my eyes off you during the dedication evening Dancing with the stars.
At the end of the performance, Stiles was joined on stage by five of his members. 10 things I hate about you co-stars: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Larisa Oleynik, Andrew Keegan, Susan May Pratt and Gabrielle Union.
The actors stood in front of an image of Ledger, their arms wrapped around each other’s shoulders.
“I don’t even watch DWTS, but I tuned into this episode just for this performance,” another added.
However, some viewers felt that Stiles used Ledger’s memory to gain an advantage in the competition.
Julia Stiles was accused of exploiting Heath Ledger’s memory
“This is just using Heath for more fame,” one X user wrote.
The user also argued that the homage ruined the film for him.
Another echoed the sentiment, calling the performance “very weird.”
Much of the criticism stemmed from the fact that Stiles and Ledger split after filming wrapped, as she revealed in a 2016 interview with ABC.
“Heath and I didn’t stay in touch, but when I heard of his death I was incredibly sad; I was very shocked,” she said.
The performance turned out to be more emotional for Julia Stiles than she expected.
Stiles spoke to People magazine ahead of her performance, revealing that she was “surprised” by how emotional the preparation process had been.
On Instagram, Stiles described making the film with Ledger as a “special moment.”
She added: “It’s amazing that people still care about this film and it’s just sad that we can’t celebrate it with him.”
Julia Stiles sought approval from Heath Ledger’s former partner before tribute
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Talk to Additional after his performance, Stiles said, “I asked Michelle (Williams) if everything was okay.”
“She said yes,” she shared.
The actress declined to elaborate when asked what Ledger’s family might think of the tribute, saying, “I don’t really want to speak for them.”
Williams and Ledger, for those unfamiliar with their relationship, dated from 2004 to 2007 and share a daughter, Matilda.
“Y’all are still stuck on this movie in 2026, it’s embarrassing,” one social media user said.
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