Guillaume Canet Denies Marion Cotillard Rumors

Pretty sure I will be spending the rest of the weekend applauding Guillaume Canet. Of course, I'm sad he had to, but it's sweet to see: Canet jumped to the defense of his longtime partner, Marion Cotillard, who unwillingly became associated with the rumors surrounding divorce proceedings between Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt when the couple announced their split earlier this week. Days after Cotillard spoke out and denied the rumors, Canet wrote a strongly worded post on Instagram in French, wherein he detailed not only the turbulence he has experienced through Cotillard experiencing these rumors, but also his desire for the public to move on from targeting Cotillard as the cause for Jolie and Pitt's private matters. It should not have come to Canet having to defend his partner, but I think it's admirable that he is stepping up to the plate and vehemently stating that, essentially, there are more important issues in this world than the rumors surrounding himself and Cotillard, as well as Jolie and Pitt.

Canet's statement is entirely in French, but translated, he essentially says the following:

I'm not in the habit of commenting on the rumors made about us... I am also not in the habit of talking about my private life, which I have always protected attentively. But the fury of the press, the venal stupidity of so-called journalists, [and] the hatred of those who feel stronger behind a keyboard have led me to state the pride, love, admiration, and respect I have for Marion remaining strong and intelligent in the face of these stupid and unfounded accusations. I think we are all living with more important things to focus on at the moment and now is the time to move on and raise the bar a little bit. Even if there's a lot of work for some, I want to be positive. And, as Marion said so well, I hope you get better and aspire to do something else in your life rather than constantly sending s--t!

Canet's statement should hopefully put to rest what has become one hugely false rumor surrounding the Jolie-Pitt divorce. Earlier this week, Cotillard released her own statement via Instagram, both in English and in French:

This is going to be my first and only reaction to the whirlwind news that broke 24 hours ago and that I was swept up into. I am not used to commenting on things like this nor taking them seriously but as this situation is spiraling and affecting people I love, I have to speak up. Firstly, many years ago, I met the man of my life, father of our son and of the baby we are expecting. He is my love, my best friend, the only one that I need. Secondly to those who have indicated that I am devastated, I am very well thank you. This crafted conversation isn't distressing. And to all the media and the haters who are quick to pass judgment, I sincerely wish you a swift recovery. Finally, I do very much wish that Angelina and Brad, both whom I deeply respect, will find peace in this very tumultuous moment. With all my love, Marion.

Canet and Cotillard have now become a very public and united front against the allegations that Cotillard was involved with Pitt during their time filming Allied. Furthermore, it should serve as a testament to the severity of the situation and the strength of their relationship that both Canet and Cotillard have been able to break with their own habits and comment so publicly so as to dispel any rumors while simultaneously expressing support for Jolie and Pitt.

Their statements echo Pitt's own request for privacy and a need for the public to become invested in any number of matters other than his own affairs. Released via People, Pitt stated: "I am very saddened by this, but what matters most now is the well-being of our kids... I kindly ask the press to give them the space they deserve during this challenging time." Jolie's own statement, even more brief than Pitt's, was released through her entertainment attorney, Robert Offer: "This decision was made for the health of the family. She will not be commenting, and asks that the family be given its privacy at this time."

And with that, I think it's high time that we put this line of inquiry to rest. It's a shame that not one, not two, but four people have had to make it known that the need for privacy and an immediate end to falsehoods was needed but alas, here we are. If anything, this should be a lesson to the public that some things are better left out of the rumor mill.