Justin Theroux continues to hold his ex in high regard. Just a week after announcing his engagement to Nicole Brydon Bloom, the Leftovers actor opened up about how he remains close to ex-wife Jennifer Aniston, despite their 2017 separation.
In fact, Justin expressed a sense of protectiveness toward the Friends star after she criticized Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance in July for his remarks about “childless cat ladies.”
Justin Theroux reflects on his enduring bond with Jennifer Aniston while embracing a new chapter with Nicole Brydon Bloom
“She’s still very dear to me, so naturally, I feel protective,” Justin shared during an interview with The Times published on Sept. 3. “But she handled the criticism perfectly, as she should.”
While his bond with Jennifer remains strong, Justin is also embracing a new chapter with fiancée Nicole, after dating for over a year. Though he admitted feeling some nerves before proposing last month, the moment turned out to be unforgettable.
“Proposing made me nervous, of course,” he confessed. “It’s a big question, and you never know what the answer will be. But it was an amazing experience.” This wasn’t the first time Justin has shared his thoughts on his post-breakup relationship with Jennifer. In a previous interview, the Beetlejuice actor mentioned that their amicable split allowed them to maintain a strong friendship.
“I genuinely value our friendship,” he said in a 2021 conversation with Esquire. “We can’t be together, but we still make each other laugh and find joy in our connection.” Justin emphasized how much Jennifer’s humor means to him, adding, “It would be a loss for me if we weren’t in touch. And I hope she feels the same.”
As for Jennifer, she also appreciated the positives that came with ending their romantic relationship. After her previous marriage to Brad Pitt, which ended in 2005, Jennifer found a new sense of independence following her split from Justin.
In a 2021 appearance on SiriusXM’s Lunch with Bruce podcast, she reflected on the experience, saying, “I really loved being my own person. Not being part of a couple was refreshing for me. Since the age of 20, I’ve always been in a relationship, so having that time for myself was something I truly enjoyed.”
