Television personality Maura Higgins found herself at the centre of an awkward red carpet moment during a recent interview with actor Robert Pattinson. The incident occurred at the Los Angeles premiere of his new film, The Drama, co-starring Zendaya, held at the DGA Theater Complex on Tuesday.
An Uncomfortable Exchange
Maura Higgins, aged 35 and dressed in a leather burgundy two-piece outfit, immediately brought up the Twilight franchise at the start of her conversation with Pattinson. She revealed her deep affection for the vampire series, stating, "I'm a huge fan. Huge fan. I've watched like all the Twilight films, like a hundred times." She added, "I nearly know every script at this stage."
Robert Pattinson, now 39, responded with apparent discomfort, replying, "Oh really?" before noting, "I just realised I hadn't seen one of them the other day… I think I might not have seen the last one." This exchange left many fans squirming, as Pattinson has historically expressed dislike for the franchise that launched his career.
Fan Reactions Divided
Social media quickly lit up with criticism from Pattinson's supporters. Many pointed out that bringing up Twilight was a significant misstep, given the actor's well-documented aversion to the subject. Comments included, "Huge fan, but don't know he hates the Twilight franchise"; "I know he's tired of hearing about Twilight"; and "No one hates Twilight more than Rob." Others emphasised, "It's a known fact he hates the Twilight series" and "Bringing up Twilight was a huge mistake, he hates those movies."
However, a contrasting perspective emerged from other fans who argued that Pattinson's attitude has evolved. They claimed he now looks back on the series more fondly and enjoys joking about it publicly. One supporter stated, "Real fans know he only hated it when he was younger & now he likes it. Huge fans also know he even said he wouldn't be opposed to doing another one." Another added, "Any real fan knows he said it's not cool to hate Twilight anymore and that he talks highly of them now."
Support from an Unlikely Source
Despite the backlash, Maura Higgins received praise from her friend and fellow television personality Lisa Rinna, whom she recently appeared with on The Traitors US. In a new interview with Cosmopolitan, Maura referred to Lisa as her "American mom," saying, "I'm sure I could learn a lot from Lisa. Since coming out of The Traitors, she's been really supportive of me." She described Lisa as a "security blanket" in her ventures into America, admiring her bold personality and fashion sense.
Pattinson's Career Evolution
Robert Pattinson rose to international fame through his role as Edward Cullen in The Twilight Saga, becoming one of the most recognisable actors of his generation. Following the franchise's success, he shifted towards independent cinema, earning critical acclaim for performances in films such as Good Time and The Lighthouse. He later returned to blockbuster roles, starring as Bruce Wayne in The Batman, while maintaining a reputation for balancing mainstream projects with experimental independent work.
Premiere Speculation and Personal Life
The premiere also sparked rumours about Pattinson's personal life. When asked about the biggest secret he had ever kept, he made a cryptic remark, saying, "It's the same one that you have," amid ongoing speculation that he has secretly married his long-term partner, model Suki Waterhouse. The couple, first linked in July 2018 and reportedly engaged since December 2023, welcomed their first child, a daughter, in March 2024.
Zendaya, who attended the event, also faced questions about her relationship status with partner Tom Holland. When asked about her biggest secret, she replied, "Nothing that comes to mind," though she has been spotted wearing a gold band alongside her engagement ring. Rumours about Pattinson and Waterhouse intensified in January 2025 when Sharon Stone referred to Robert as Suki's "husband" at a public event.
Robert Pattinson's latest film, The Drama, produced by A24, is scheduled for release in cinemas on 3 April. The film promises to add another chapter to his diverse acting portfolio, while the interview gaffe continues to fuel discussions among fans and entertainment observers alike.
