Anne Hathaway gifted Koran at London premiere after ‘Inshallah’ row

Lydia Davies
Wed, 22 Apr 2026 20:02:04 +0000

Anne Hathaway appeared to have been handed a copy of the Koran by a fan at the London premiere of The Devil Wears Prada 2, days after her use of the phrase “Inshallah” in an interview sparked widespread online debate.

Footage circulating on social media appears to show the Oscar-winning actress accepting the religious text while an individual speaks to her, with the brief exchange quickly going viral.

The moment comes after Ms Hathaway used the Arabic expression, meaning “God willing”, during a recent interview about her hopes for the future.

“I want to have a long, healthy life, Inshallah. I hope so,” she said at the time.

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Fans and critics of The Princess Diaries actress flooded X with reactions after the premiere clip went viral.

One person commented: “Hope she is able to read and understand Arabic.”

Another wrote: “She said one word in an interview and someone showed up with a WHOLE Koran at the premiere. People move fast.”

Some responses were more critical, with one user writing: “She has no idea how many women have been subjugated throughout the world in the name of Islam and the Koran.”

Another added: “Would have to be London where someone gifts a Koran.”

However, others viewed the moment more positively.

One person wrote: “That's a wonderful gift, just don't think she's the right person for it.”

“That’s a wholesome moment,” penned another.

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A fan gifts Anne Hathaway a copy of the Quran at ‘THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2’ London premiere after she said “inshallah” in an interview.

(via harryl_1223 / IG) pic.twitter.com/mUVHec0Dib
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) April 22, 2026

The incident comes amid ongoing debate over Ms Hathaway’s use of the Arabic phrase during an interview with People Magazine.

Ms Hathaway, who grew up in a Roman Catholic household before her family later converted to the Episcopal Church, has previously described her beliefs as a personal “work in progress”.

Sources say her family stepped away from the Catholic Church after her brother came out as gay, citing differences with its views on homosexuality.

The phrase itself is widely used across the Arab world and beyond, often in everyday conversation, regardless of religious background.

This is not the first time a celebrity’s use of culturally significant language or actions sparked debate online.

Figures such as Awkwafina, Olivia Rodrigo, Iggy Azalea and Justin Timberlake have all faced scrutiny over their use of AAVE or so-called “blaccents”, with accusations ranging from cultural appropriation to “verbal blackface”.

Similarly, when Adele wore a Jamaican flag bikini to Notting Hill Carnival in 2020, she was accused of appropriation by some online users.

However, many members of the Caribbean diaspora defended her, arguing the celebration was an appropriate place for such appreciation.

GB News has reached out to Ms Hathaway for comment.