Anne Hathaway’s Throwaway Joke Reopens Old Scandal Linked to Ex-Boyfriend’s Fraud Conviction

A lighthearted comment made by Anne Hathaway during the promotional events for The Devil Wears Prada 2 has unexpectedly reignited discussions surrounding her past relationship with Raffaello Follieri, a disgraced Italian businessman. The Oscar-winning actress, who is now a married mother of two, humorously remarked that Italian accents “scar” her, prompting fans to connect the statement to her previous romantic involvement with Follieri.

Context of the Comment

While participating in a recent podcast, Hathaway, alongside co-stars Emily Blunt and others, engaged in a conversation that took a personal turn. During filming in Milan, the cast shared jokes about various accents, but Hathaway’s remarks stood out, hinting at a deeper significance.

Blunt initiated the discussion by expressing her fondness for Australian accents. Hathaway responded by stating, “No, I actually think Italian accents are really sexy, but I’m kind of scarred in this respect.” This comment elicited laughter from Blunt, who added, “Annie never wants to hear her name said in an Italian accent.”

Hathaway continued, revealing a personal connection to her name’s pronunciation in Italy, stating, “I do actually love my name. When I go to Italy, and I meet people, they go ‘Anna Atherway’. But that’s not sexy.” The playful banter among the cast, including Meryl Streep and Bridgerton star Simone Ashley, provided a humorous backdrop to Hathaway’s more serious undertone.

The Follieri Connection

Hathaway’s relationship with Raffaello Follieri, which began in the mid-2000s, was marked by his portrayal as a wealthy Italian property developer with alleged Vatican ties. During this time, Hathaway was rapidly ascending in Hollywood, and the couple was frequently seen at high-profile events.

However, the relationship took a dramatic turn in 2008 when Follieri was arrested in the United States. He later pleaded guilty to multiple federal charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. Prosecutors stated that he had misled investors out of millions of dollars using fabricated claims regarding Vatican-linked property deals. Follieri was sentenced to four and a half years in federal prison, ultimately serving about three and a half years before being released in 2012 and deported to Italy.

Although Hathaway was never implicated in any wrongdoing, the high-profile nature of their relationship drew significant media attention. Reports indicated that she cooperated with authorities as a witness and distanced herself from Follieri following the fraud revelations. Friends described her as “devastated” by the fallout, leading her to avoid discussing the relationship publicly for years.

A Shift in Personal Life

Following her breakup with Follieri, Hathaway shifted her focus to her career and personal life. In 2008, she began dating actor and jewelry designer Adam Shulman, marking a departure from the tabloid-heavy romance that characterized her previous relationship. Shulman, who largely remained outside the Hollywood spotlight, allowed Hathaway to cultivate a more private life.

The couple got engaged in 2011 and married in September 2012 in a small ceremony in Big Sur, California. Since then, Hathaway has described her life as more stable and grounded, welcoming two sons, Jonathan in 2016 and Jack in 2019. She has consistently chosen to keep her children out of the public eye, maintaining strict boundaries around family privacy.

In interviews, Hathaway has credited Shulman with being a steady presence in her life, particularly in contrast to her earlier relationship with Follieri.

Renewed Interest in The Devil Wears Prada 2

Hathaway’s recent comments have sparked renewed interest in her role in The Devil Wears Prada 2, where she stars alongside Emily Blunt, Meryl Streep, and Stanley Tucci. Filming in Milan has brought the cast back into the fashion world, generating viral moments and candid discussions among fans.

Blunt’s remark about Hathaway’s aversion to hearing her name pronounced in an Italian accent has fueled speculation that the actress is subtly referencing her past while maintaining a lighthearted tone. Reports indicate that even significant cameos, including one from Sydney Sweeney, were cut during post-production, highlighting the ongoing reshaping of the film.

For Hathaway, the narrative surrounding Raffaello Follieri remains a notable chapter in her life. Despite moving on to a stable marriage and a successful career, public interest in her past relationship resurfaces whenever she speaks candidly, even in jest.

As reported by www.mirror.co.uk.

Explore the latest digital editions of FAME Delivered in the Magazine section.

Published on 2026-05-02 13:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk