Julia Roberts wore a handmade white T-shirt emblazoned with the slogan ‘A Low Vera’ while drinking coffee in West Hollywood in 2002, according to MailOnline. The outfit choice emerged during her relationship with cinematographer Danny Moder, who was still married to makeup artist Vera Steimberg at the time, as reported by outlets covering the celebrity romance.
The 2000 Genesis of the Romance on Movie Sets
The relationship began in 2000 while Julia Roberts filmed on location with Brad Pitt for the movie The Mexican. On that set, Roberts met Danny Moder, and the two hit it off, according to MailOnline. At the time, Roberts was dating Benjamin Blatt, while Moder was married to Vera Steimberg, whom he wed in 1997. Despite their existing commitments, the romance blossomed, with Roberts once referring to Moder as her ‘hunk of burning love,’ per MailOnline reporting.
The 2002 Paparazzi Walk and the ‘A Low Vera’ Slogan
Nearly two years into the relationship, with Vera Steimberg reportedly refusing to agree to a divorce, Roberts stepped out in West Hollywood wearing the controversial DIY garment. According to photo agencies and reports from MailOnline, the award-winning actress paired her white hand-made slogan tee with light-wash boyfriend denim jeans, a simple black wool coat, a chunky silver chain necklace, a matching oversized silver belt, and an early-2000s flip phone.
Did you know? Julia Roberts never formally discussed the rationale behind her outfit choice, telling Oprah during an interview, “You know what that was about? It was private,” before adding, “I stand by my T-shirt.”
Family Backlash and the Speedy Divorce
The sartorial choice caused friction within the family. According to RadarOnline, Danny’s sister Jyl wrote in a journal while in rehab that Roberts was a “Diva,” “rude,” and “possessive over Danny,” noting that Vera and her family, who were close with the Moders, felt quite offended by the public statement.
The messaging appeared to yield results. Vera Steimberg officially divorced Danny Moder in June 2002, according to available public timelines. Less than a month later, Moder and Roberts married in a midnight ceremony at the actress’s ranch in Taos, New Mexico, as reported by entertainment chroniclers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Julia Roberts’ 2002 T-shirt say?
The hand-made white T-shirt featured the slogan ‘A Low Vera’ across the chest, which observers interpreted as a reference to Danny Moder’s then-wife, Vera Steimberg.
When did Julia Roberts and Danny Moder get married?
The couple married in July 2002 during a midnight ceremony at Julia Roberts’ ranch in Taos, New Mexico, shortly after Steimberg and Moder finalized their divorce, according to historical reports.
Did Julia Roberts explain the T-shirt?
No. When questioned by Oprah, Roberts declined to explain the specifics, stating only that it was private and that she stood by her choice.
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