Julia Roberts’ infamous ‘A Low Vera’ T-shirt wasn’t just a quirky fashion moment; it was probably a brazen public declaration wrapped in bold letters, spotlighting a complicated love triangle that shook Hollywood in the early 2000s.
While filming The Mexican alongside Brad Pitt in 2000, Julia, then dating Benjamin Bratt, met Danny Moder, the movie’s married cinematographer, tied to makeup artist Vera Steimberg since 1997. Despite existing relationships, Roberts and Moder’s attraction ignited quickly, but Steimberg was unwilling to grant a divorce easily.
The tension bubbled for nearly two years. Roberts consistently denied being a homewrecker, emphasizing the complexity behind the headlines and how she and Moder “sorted their lives out, separate and apart”. She shared with Oprah Winfrey:
He sorted his whole thing out, separate and apart from me. And I sorted my life out, separate and apart from him. I think that’s the only reason we were able to ultimately fall in love with each other and be together.
Now, nearly 25 years on, the couple remains together, raising three children while maintaining a relatively private family life. But the ‘A Low Vera’ scandal remains a juicy chapter in their love s tory; let’s get to know in detail!
Julia Roberts’ Infamous ‘A Low Vera’ T-Shirt Controversy Explained
In celebrity culture, fashion often speaks louder than words, but Julia Roberts’ “A Low Vera” T-shirt spoke volumes. This was reportedly a homemade, direct jab at Vera Steimberg, Danny Moder’s then-wife.
Roberts was spotted casually having coffee in West Hollywood in 2002, wearing the shirt with light-wash boyfriend jeans, a simple black wool coat, a chunky silver chain necklace, and an oversized silver belt (via Evoke). The flip phone dangling from her pocket was a quintessential early-2000s accessory.
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Behind this wardrobe choice was a tangled story. Roberts had been dating Benjamin Bratt when she met Danny Moder on the set of The Mexican in 2000. Moder was married to makeup artist Vera Steimberg since 1997. The former reportedly moved out of the marital home six months after meeting Roberts, but Steimberg refused to agree to a divorce, creating months of tension and resentment.
The ‘A Low Vera’ shirt emerged almost two years later, at a time when Roberts’ frustration was palpable. Was it a pun, a spiteful dig, or a cryptic message? She never explained fully. But it ruffled feathers. Moder’s sister Jyl described Roberts as “rude” and “possessive” in rehab journals, revealing how deeply the scandal fractured family ties (as reported by RadarOnline).
Within months, Steimberg finally signed the divorce papers, and Julia Roberts and Moder’s long-anticipated marriage followed.
Did Julia Roberts Pay Off Vera Moder for Danny Moder’s Divorce?
Rumors have swirled for years about Julia Roberts’ involvement in Vera Steimberg’s eventual decision to grant a divorce. According to The Things, Roberts pressured Steimberg for over a year, ultimately handing her $200,000 to sign the papers and clear the way for Roberts and Danny Moder to marry.
Steimberg reportedly confessed:
Julia has been desperate to get Danny down the aisle, and she’s got her wish. I never wanted to lose him, but I’ve given up now.
Whether true or not, the rumor became a staple in tabloid lore, painting Roberts as both determined and ruthless. She has consistently rejected the homewrecker narrative, reminding interviewers and fans that the truth is never black and white.
The media often overlooked the complexity of relationships and personal struggles involved. In fact, a 2001 Hello article labeled Roberts “romantically challenged” and hinted that the stress surrounding the affair may have contributed to family tragedies, highlighting the emotional turmoil all parties endured.
Inside Vera Moder’s Battle to Hold Onto Danny Moder During His Divorce
Vera Steimberg’s reluctance to grant Danny Moder a divorce was a crucial and painful obstacle. Reports suggest that she fought hard to maintain her marriage, creating a tense triangle where love, loyalty, and legal battles clashed.
This resistance didn’t just complicate Julia Roberts and Moder’s relationship; it reportedly added emotional weight and public scrutiny.
How Julia Roberts and Danny Moder’s Romance Began on Set of The Mexican
Julia Roberts and Danny Moder’s story started on the set of The Mexican in 2000. At the time, the actress was with Benjamin Bratt. But chemistry between Roberts and Moder was immediate.
After Roberts ended her four-year relationship with Bratt in 2001 and Moder’s divorce was finalized in early 2002, Roberts and Moder married in a low-key ceremony on July 4, 2002. The event, held at Roberts’s 82-acre ranch in Taos, New Mexico, was a tightly guarded secret (per PEOPLE). Guests were invited to celebrate Independence Day, only to be surprised at midnight by candlelit vows exchanged amid rose petals.
Costume designer Michael Dennison told the outlet:
She’s gloriously happy. These two people are deeply in love.
Julia Roberts and Moder share three children: son Henry and twins Hazel and Phinnaeus. Despite the challenges of their early relationship, the couple has managed to maintain a strong partnership both at home and in their careers.
Are Julia Roberts and Danny Moder Still Married in 2025?
As of 2025, Julia Roberts and Danny Moder remain happily married. Their enduring partnership is reflected in shared career successes and a family life carefully shielded from public intrusion.
Moder posted a subtle but celebratory Instagram photo following their Emmy win for The Normal Heart, underscoring the couple’s professional and personal synergy. On Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop podcast, Roberts has spoken openly about how meeting Moder was a “seismic shift” in her life and continues to praise his work ethic and support.
Getting married to Danny. That was the first, like, my life will never be the same in the most incredible, indescribable way. The best decision I ever made in my entire life was to hitch my wagon to Danny Moder.
In interviews, Julia Roberts has expressed pride in their marriage and frustration at tabloid gossip, revealing the emotional cost of living under a microscope.
So, what’s your verdict? Was Julia Roberts’s ‘A Low Vera’ T-shirt a cheeky clapback or a petty move? Do you believe the hush money rumors, or is it just Hollywood hearsay? Drop your thoughts below!
Also, The Mexican (2001), where Julia Roberts and Danny Moder first crossed paths, streams on Paramount+.
