"We all need to take a deep breath and think about being a Bush daughter and having that cross to bear. I'd go out and have a couple of drinks too"

Julia Roberts’s remark highlights the pressure, judgment, and scrutiny that come with being in the public eye, especially as a young member of a presidential family. Referring specifically to the “Bush daughter,” Roberts draws attention to the unique challenges faced by Jenna and Barbara Bush, daughters of President George W. Bush, whose personal decisions, social lives, and everyday actions were dissected and criticized across media outlets. The phrase “having that cross to bear” evokes the heavy, sometimes unfair burden these young women carried simply because of their familial ties, suggesting that the expectations placed upon them can be oppressive.

With her signature wit and empathy, Roberts acknowledges the very human response of seeking relief or escape from such pressure. Her line, “I'd go out and have a couple of drinks too,” doesn’t condone irresponsible behavior but rather expresses understanding. It frames activities commonly criticized when done by celebrity offspring, in this case, going out for drinks at college age, as normal coping mechanisms in response to extraordinary stress. By stating this, Roberts bridges the gap between high-profile figures and everyday people, reminding audiences that everyone, regardless of status, needs outlets to deal with difficulties.

Roberts’s tone also subtly challenges the moral judgment society often directs toward the children of political figures. She calls for compassion and perspective, urging others to “take a deep breath” and reflect before casting stones. By putting herself in the Bush daughters’ shoes, Roberts encourages empathy, highlighting how absurdly difficult and isolating it might feel to be so closely watched. Her candid comment resonates as a call for grace, recognizing the shared humanity behind the headlines and reinforcing the idea that public figures, particularly young ones, deserve some understanding rather than constant criticism.