BBC Radio 1 presenter Greg James has shared details of a distinctly awkward moment with A-list Hollywood actress Sandra Bullock, revealing she once refused to shake his hand during an interview introduction.
The Unforgettable Junket Encounter
While appearing as a guest on the popular JaackMaate's Happy Hour podcast, the 39-year-old DJ recounted the uncomfortable incident. James explained that the meeting took place during a press junket, the often stressful and rapid-fire interview sessions celebrities undertake to promote new projects.
"I remember Sandra Bullock refused to shake my hand," James told the podcast hosts. He described approaching the Oscar-winning actress for their brief, scheduled chat and extending his hand in greeting. Bullock's response, however, was not what he expected.
"My Kid's Not Very Well": The Reason Given
According to James, Sandra Bullock declined the handshake with the explanation: "I'm not shaking hands today, my kid's not very well." The radio host was left perplexed by the reasoning, which he elaborated on during the podcast discussion.
He interpreted her logic as a concern that germs from her unwell child could be passed from her hand to his, potentially making him ill. "She thought that germs were going to be from her kid's mouth, into her hand, into my hand, and then I'd be ill with Sandra Bullock's kid's flu," James recounted, still seeming taken aback by the memory.
The exact date of the encounter remains unclear, but James's demeanour suggested the incident had left a lasting impression. He expressed a wish that she had simply been more direct, questioning whether her motive was genuinely protective or born of frustration.
Fan Reaction: Divided Opinions on Social Media
The story quickly sparked debate among fans and listeners after the podcast aired. Opinions were split on whether Bullock's actions were reasonable or if James was overreacting by sharing the tale years later.
One camp defended the actress's caution. "Completely valid. She doesn't wanna make you sick," wrote one commenter. Another pointed out the practicalities: "I think Greg's being weirdly sensitive about it. She meets a tonne of people that day. Her kids are sick." They suggested she was likely trying to prevent spreading illness across a long day of interviews.
Others questioned the necessity of sharing the anecdote, with one person stating simply, "There are some stories you don't have to share." Meanwhile, another countered, "What's an issue with him sharing this story?" highlighting the natural fodder such experiences provide for entertainment podcasts.
Despite this awkward moment, Greg James's career continues to see him mix with high-profile names. In a lighter recent revelation, he shared that pop superstar Taylor Swift had personally invited him to her wedding with American football star Travis Kelce. During a live segment on his radio show, after a discussion about Swift's fiancé, James interjected to ask, "Woah, woah. Am I coming?" To which Swift reportedly replied, "obviously," though she offered no further details.
