Jennifer Aniston on Stalking Scare and Finding Strength in Friendship

JENNIFER ANISTON SPEAKS OUT ON STALKING, DATING RUMORS, AND FRIENDSHIP WITH MATTHEW PERRY

In a rare and intimate interview with Vanity Fair, Jennifer Aniston opens up about her personal life, revealing the terrifying stalking incident that left her shaken, the bizarre dating rumors that have plagued her for years, and the heartbreak of losing her dear friend Matthew Perry.

At 56, the beloved Friends star is more than just a household name; she's a woman who has been in the public eye for decades. But despite her glamorous facade, Aniston confesses to struggling with what to share with the world. "People are out of their minds," she says, referring to the constant scrutiny and attention that comes with fame. "Who wants to put that energy out there?"

The actress's concerns about security and privacy are well-founded. In 2022, a 48-year-old man named Jimmy Wayne Carwyle allegedly crashed his car into her $21 million Bel Air mansion, sending Aniston's security team scrambling. The police were called, and Carwyle was subsequently charged with felony stalking, vandalism, and threatening bodily harm.

But what's even more disturbing is that this wasn't a one-time incident. According to prosecutors, Carwyle had been sending Aniston emails, voicemails, and social media messages for two years prior, sparking concerns about his mental state. He has since pleaded not guilty to felony stalking and vandalism, but has been deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial.

Aniston's friend Sandra Bullock, who also knows a thing or two about being stalked (she was terrorized by a fan in 2014), understands the emotional toll of such experiences. "It creates a fortress mentality," Bullock explains. "You start thinking, 'Do I really have to go outside and navigate the world?' It's ongoing, not a one-off."

Both actresses have also had to overcome their fears of flying, which can be debilitating for some people. But when Aniston put her own fear aside to comfort Bullock during a particularly difficult flight, something remarkable happened.

"'She just held onto my hand and goes, 'This is just a bump' … I was like, 'Who the fuck are you right now?'" Bullock recalls, chuckling about the moment. "Jennifer's empathy for others can override her own fear."

Aniston has since tried hypnotherapy to conquer her fear of flying, with some success. But what she didn't expect was the media frenzy that would ensue whenever she tries to find love.

In recent years, Aniston has been linked to several high-profile men, including Pedro Pascal and former President Barack Obama (who, incidentally, she knows better than his wife Michelle). The rumors have been relentless, with some outlets even suggesting that she's secretly dating wellness guru Jim Curtis.

While her rep declined to comment on the dating rumors, Aniston does follow Curtis on social media and has liked several of his posts. But what's more telling is that in May, she shared a photo of Curtis's book Shift: Quantum Manifestation Guide: A Workbook for Coding a New Consciousness. When asked about their relationship by Vanity Fair, Aniston's team remained tight-lipped.

Meanwhile, Bullock admits that she and Aniston have tried to track down the origins of these outlandish stories, but often come up empty-handed. "75 percent of the time, we just can't," Bullock says with a laugh. "They're literally pulled out of thin air."

Despite the drama surrounding her personal life, Aniston remains committed to her career. She credits Friends for being a highlight of her resume and a testament to her enduring talent. "What helped raise me is something I got to put into the world and help other people," she says.

The 2021 Friends reunion was a bittersweet moment for the cast, who had finally wrapped up their iconic series after two decades. But in 2023, they suffered another devastating loss when Matthew Perry passed away at just 54, leaving behind a legacy of addiction struggles that had taken its toll on his health.

Aniston recalls the pain and heartache that accompanied Perry's battle with addiction. "We did everything we could when we could," she says, her voice cracking with emotion. "But it almost felt like we'd been mourning Matthew for a long time because his battle with that disease was a really hard one for him to fight."

In the end, Aniston takes solace in knowing that Perry is finally at peace. "I'm glad he's out of that pain," she says, her eyes brimming with tears.

As we delve into the complex world of Jennifer Aniston, it's clear that there's more to this Hollywood legend than meets the eye. With a career spanning decades and a personal life filled with ups and downs, Aniston remains an enigma, but also an inspiration – a reminder that even in the most turbulent of times, there's always hope for healing, growth, and love.

Sources:

• Vanity Fair
• The Scholarly Note