Anne Heche Struggled to Protect Ellen DeGeneres from Love Triangle Rumors

In 1998 Anne Heche faced intense gossip while promoting the Psycho reboot. Rumors suggested a fling with co-star Vince Vaughn during Return to Paradise. She was also early in her relationship with Ellen DeGeneres at the time.

Producer’s account of the interview

Fran Weinstein, a former Entertainment Tonight producer, later recounted the episode. She said Heche reacted angrily when asked about the Vaughn rumors. Weinstein added that Heche urgently demanded the footage not be used because she did not want her girlfriend to see it.

Weinstein says publicists and managers pursued her to the St. Regis hotel. They sought the tape of the interview. Heche then entered Weinstein’s room and confronted her about respecting her and her partner.

Vaughn’s denial and fallout

Vince Vaughn publicly denied any role in breaking up Heche and DeGeneres. He told reporters the gossip was untrue and said the stories upset his girlfriend and family. Vaughn later married Kyla Weber in 2010.

Timeline and lasting context

Heche and Ellen DeGeneres dated from 1997 to 2000. The pair appeared together at the 55th Golden Globe Awards on January 18, 1998, in Beverly Hills. Fran Weinstein plans to chronicle the episode in her memoir, Tortured Soles, due April 28.

Anne Heche died in 2022 and cannot respond to the new account. The episode remains an example of how Hollywood love triangle rumors can affect real relationships. Filmogaz.com will monitor any further developments.