Natalie Portman is reportedly furious over speculation that Rachel Cusk’s upcoming novel contains an unflattering portrait of her. “Life of M” follows an unnamed writer attempting to chronicle the life of a famous actress identified only as “M.” Although Cusk has never confirmed that the character is based on Portman, readers have identified numerous similarities between M’s career and the Oscar winner’s life. Sources close to Portman now claim she feels unfairly dragged into a publicity campaign for a book she neither approved nor helped create.
One Paris-based friend claimed the actress has been deeply upset by the discussion surrounding “Life of M.” “Natalie is a very private person, that’s why she moved to Paris, so Rachel’s book, ‘Life Of M,’ has really pissed her off,” the insider told the Daily Mail.
The source also rejected speculation that Portman secretly cooperated with Cusk or agreed to generate controversy ahead of the novel’s release. “She thinks it is a real low blow and is horrified about the rumors she was in on the book in some way, which she certainly was not,” the friend continued. “The celebrity in the book is nothing like her, she is far from a diva, she is a quiet bookworm.”
The insider framed the situation as particularly upsetting because of Portman’s stated commitment to supporting other women. “Natalie is big on girl power and sisterhood, so this is a gross violation of her code,” the source claimed. “She believes women’s bonds should be nurtured and not manipulated for commerce.”
Another insider similarly defended the “Black Swan” star’s character. “Natalie is such a kind and warm person… The personality of the character bears absolutely no resemblance to her,” the source said.
Portman’s Camp Denies The Women Were Close Friends
The rumors have gained additional traction because Portman has publicly celebrated Cusk’s work. The actress selected Cusk’s 2021 novel “Second Place” for Nat’s Book Club and later chose “Parade” in 2024. She also invited the novelist onto her book club podcast. “Forever in awe of Rachel Cusk and the way she disrupts form and the conventions of storytelling,” Portman wrote on Instagram while promoting “Parade.”
Both women also live in Paris, leading some reports to characterize them as close friends. However, sources close to Portman now insist that the pair “are not, and have never been, close friends.” They reportedly saw one another only a handful of times around the city.
The actress allegedly believes publishers have exaggerated their relationship to make the novel’s release appear like a dramatic betrayal between two former friends.
Readers Have Identified Numerous Similarities
“Life of M,” which publisher Farrar, Straus and Giroux is scheduled to release on August 25, examines fame and power through the relationship between M and the writer documenting her life. M is portrayed as an isolated and self-absorbed celebrity whose attempts to live normally are repeatedly distorted by her extraordinary fame.
The actress lives in a large, impersonal home described as being “like a big doll’s house, with her as a doll inside of it.” She is surrounded by employees, receives special accommodations wherever she goes and struggles to connect with ordinary people.
While those personality traits are fictional, several biographical details have fueled the Portman theory. M appears in an advertising campaign while “wreathed in pink flowers.” Portman has represented Dior since 2010 and has appeared with pink roses and peonies in campaigns for Miss Dior fragrances.
M was also a child actor whose mother objected to sexually suggestive scenes in her first movie. Portman became famous through the 1994 thriller “Léon: The Professional,” which she filmed at 11 and 12. Her mother reportedly demanded that sexually explicit material be removed from the script.
M’s Film Roles Fuel The Natalie Portman Comparisons
The fictional actress later stars as a ballet dancer competing for a major role, echoing Portman’s Oscar-winning performance in “Black Swan.”
M also visits a mansion dedicated to a powerful, famous family before portraying one of its members. Portman played former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in the 2016 film “Jackie.”
Those parallels have led readers and literary commentators to speculate that Portman supplied at least part of the inspiration for M. However, not every element of the character’s life matches the actress, and Cusk has not said that M should be read as Portman.
The Actress Reportedly Will Not Address The Controversy
Despite her alleged anger, Portman is not expected to publicly confront Cusk or participate in the debate. “Natalie is trying to focus now on her pregnancy – she is due any moment – and be in the present with her boyfriend Tanguy [Destable], who grounds her,” the Paris-based friend claimed. “She will not address the book and is writing it off as an unfortunate phase of her life.”
Portman shares two children with her former husband, Benjamin Millepied, and is expecting her third with Destable, a French electronic music producer.
Insider Claims Natalie Portman Has A ‘Tough Exterior’
A different insider offered a less flattering assessment of the actress, suggesting that certain aspects of M’s personality might resonate with people familiar with Portman. “Natalie is known for having a tough exterior and being a bit difficult to get along with,” the source claimed. “She’s particular and a perfectionist and has been in the industry forever.”
The insider added, “She knows she sometimes doesn’t have the best reputation, but she doesn’t seem bothered by it. Not everyone’s personality suits everyone in this world.”
Whether Portman directly inspired M remains unanswered. Until Cusk confirms otherwise, the similarities remain the subject of pure speculation rather than proof that the novel is revealing the actress’s private personality.
