In her newly released memoir, Say Everything, actress Ione Skye opens up about her experiences with Gwyneth Paltrow during the latter’s brief romance with Skye’s brother, Donovan Leitch, in the 1990s. The memoir offers a candid look at their relationship, including a memorable vacation to Mexico shortly after the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Skye recalls how the trip was far from relaxing, not just because of the earthquake’s aftermath, but also due to the dynamics between her brother and his then-girlfriend, Paltrow. She describes Paltrow as “intimidating” and shares a particular moment where Paltrow snapped at Leitch during breakfast when he accidentally spilled water on her. Skye claims Paltrow called him an “idiot” in a lighthearted but sharp tone. This incident led Skye to confront her brother about Paltrow’s behavior, but Leitch, who was smitten, brushed it off, feeling hopeful about their future together.
Skye reflects on the stark contrast between Leitch, who was 27 at the time and ready for marriage and children, and Paltrow, who was just 21 and not yet ready for such commitments. She notes that Paltrow’s life was about to take a dramatic turn, as she would soon land a role in Seven and cross paths with Brad Pitt, a relationship that would change the course of her career and personal life. Despite these revelations, Skye insists that her intention in sharing these anecdotes is not to tarnish Paltrow’s reputation. In an interview with People, Skye emphasized that they were all very young at the time, stating, “We were what, 21 at the time? We were so young.” She acknowledges that Paltrow has always had a strong sense of self-awareness and handles criticism with grace, noting, “She always has a good reaction to people coming after her for things she says.”
Paltrow and Leitch’s relationship ended in 1995, but they remained on good terms. Years later, in 2013, they even shared a platonic kiss on the lips during a Los Angeles Dodgers game. At the time, Paltrow was married to Chris Martin, her husband from 2003 to 2016. Leitch downplayed the significance of the moment, explaining that it was simply a friendly goodbye in front of thousands of people, with Paltrow’s children present. He told the Daily Mail, “We were sitting in the owner’s box in front of 30,000 people with her two children right next to us. That isn’t exactly the setting for a secret liaison.”
Paltrow and Martin announced their separation shortly after the kiss and formally divorced in 2016. They share two children, Apple and Moses, who are now 20 and 18, respectively. Martin has since been in a relationship with Dakota Johnson since 2017, while Paltrow married Brad Falchuk in 2018. Despite the ups and downs in their personal lives, Paltrow has continued to build her brand and career, becoming a household name through her acting and her lifestyle empire, Goop. Skye’s memoir offers a rare glimpse into Paltrow’s early days in Hollywood, highlighting the complexities of young love and the challenges of navigating relationships in the public eye.
Skye’s reflections on Paltrow are both critical and empathetic, painting a picture of a young woman who was still figuring out her place in the world. While she recounts moments where Paltrow’s behavior seemed harsh, she also acknowledges Paltrow’s growth and self-assuredness over the years. The memoir serves as a reminder of how much Paltrow has evolved since her early 20s, both personally and professionally. It also underscores the enduring nature of some relationships, as Paltrow and Leitch have maintained a cordial connection despite their romantic split decades ago.
In the end, Skye’s account of her brother’s relationship with Paltrow offers a nuanced perspective on the challenges of youth, love, and fame. It’s a story about growing up, learning from mistakes, and finding one’s identity in the spotlight. While the memoir doesn’t shy away from sharing candid details, it also shows a deep understanding of the complexities of human relationships and the passage of time. Skye’s honesty and introspection make Say Everything a compelling read, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at her life and the lives of those around her during a pivotal moment in Hollywood history.
