Chastain chastises Anne Hathaway ‘Haters’

Jessica jumps in to save actress from awkward ‘Hatha-hater’ moment at London press conference

Jessica Chastain leapt to the defence of Interstellar co-star Anne Hathaway in an extraordinary moment at yesterday’s London press conference to promote the new blockbuster film.

Asking the rest of the film’s cast what it was like to work with Anne, a journalist drew audible gasps from the assembled throng when he added “because we hear the stories that everyone hates Anne Hathaway.”

That received an angry response from red-headed Chastain, who grabbed hold of the mic for extra effect and said in a raised tone. “Anne Hathaway is so nice. Anyone who says things like that is a bully and mean. She’s so nice, she’s so talented, she’s intelligent and generous and a beautiful person and I hope to work with her again and again and again.”

Oscar-winning Hathaway, who has had troubles with an online group calling themselves the “Hatha-haters,” was clearly moved by the impassioned show of support, telling Chastain: “Thank you, Jessica, thank you.”

Coming from Batman director Christopher Nolan and also starring Matthew McConaughey and Michael Caine, Interstellar is a science-fiction thriller which tells of a mission to find an alternative home for Earth’s population when the food on our own planet runs out, opens at cinemas on Friday 7 November.