On August 25, 2014, Jodie Foster and Alexandra Hedison made their first public appearance together as a married couple at the Emmy Awards, just a few months after their private wedding in April of that year. The couple, dressed in matching black outfits, walked the red carpet hand in hand, sharing a quiet but proud display of their love. After the event, they decided to extend their special day with a dinner at a small Italian restaurant in Los Angeles, a place they had visited a few times before. Known for its cozy atmosphere, traditional Italian dishes, and intimate setting, the restaurant was the perfect spot for a low-key date night.
As Jodie and Alexandra entered the restaurant, they were led to a secluded table in the corner, as per their request for privacy. The ambiance was warm, with soft lighting casting a golden glow over the rustic wooden tables, and the walls decorated with framed vintage photographs of Italian countryside scenes. However, the mood shifted when a new waitress, assigned to their table, began to display a noticeably cold demeanor. The waitress, a young woman around 25 years old named Emily, immediately recognized Jodie Foster—a Hollywood icon—but her attention quickly turned to the way Jodie and Alexandra held hands and exchanged affectionate glances. Emily, who had grown up in a conservative environment with little exposure to the LGBT community, felt uneasy. Her discomfort manifested in her behavior: she responded curtly when they ordered, deliberately delayed bringing their food, and avoided eye contact whenever possible.
When Jodie ordered a bottle of their favorite red wine—a tradition for their special occasions—Emily replied in a dismissive tone, “I’m not sure we have that. I’ll check, but we might be out.” Her attitude made Jodie and Alexandra sense the lack of warmth, though they initially didn’t attribute it to their sexual orientation. The situation became unmistakable, however, when Emily returned and, with a tone laced with disrespect, said, “We don’t serve people like you here.” The comment left Jodie and Alexandra stunned. Jodie, known for her calm and composed nature, responded gently, “What do you mean? We’re just here to have dinner like everyone else.” Emily didn’t reply and walked away, leaving the couple in disbelief.
Jodie and Alexandra were not the type to react with anger or cause a scene. Instead, Jodie called for the restaurant manager to address the situation. The manager, a middle-aged man named Michael, listened to their account and immediately apologized. He explained that Emily was a new employee and might not have been adequately trained in customer service. Michael assured them that he would handle the matter, personally taking over their service for the evening and offering a discount on their bill as an apology.
While waiting for their meal, Jodie and Alexandra discussed what had just happened. Jodie, who had publicly come out as part of the LGBT community during her 2013 Golden Globes speech, was no stranger to the kind of prejudice Emily displayed, especially in less progressive spaces. Alexandra, a photographer with a deep sensitivity to others’ emotions, suggested, “We should do something to help her understand that this kind of bias doesn’t just hurt others—it limits her own perspective too.” Jodie nodded in agreement, and they resolved to leave a meaningful message before departing.
After finishing their meal—a delicious dinner of spaghetti and grilled salmon they both enjoyed—Jodie wrote a short note on a piece of stationery provided by the restaurant. The note read: “Thank you for the wonderful meal. We understand that not everyone is ready to accept people like us, but we hope you’ll take the time to learn and open your heart. Love knows no boundaries, and respect is something we all deserve. Wishing you a good day, Jodie & Alexandra.” They left the note along with a generous tip, double the usual amount, as a gesture of sincerity.
When Emily received the note from the manager, her initial reaction was a mix of shame and defensiveness. She felt her discomfort was justified and that she hadn’t done anything wrong. But as she read Jodie’s words, she began to reflect. The kindness shown by Jodie and Alexandra, despite her disrespectful behavior, stirred a sense of guilt within her. Curious, Emily looked up Jodie Foster online and learned more about her—not just as a talented actress, but as a devoted mother, wife, and advocate for equality. She also stumbled upon articles about the challenges the LGBT community often faces, realizing that her prejudice stemmed from ignorance.
A week later, Emily reached out to the restaurant manager to send an apology to Jodie and Alexandra. She wrote a brief email expressing her regret and gratitude for opening her eyes. “I was wrong to let my personal biases affect my job. Your note made me think deeply, and I’m trying to learn and become more open-minded,” Emily wrote. Though Jodie and Alexandra didn’t respond directly, the manager relayed Emily’s apology to them, and the couple felt gratified that their small act had sparked a positive change.
This incident became a memorable moment in Jodie Foster and Alexandra Hedison’s lives, showcasing the power of kindness and patience in challenging prejudice. Their actions not only helped Emily rethink her views on the LGBT community but also served as a reminder that understanding and respect can break down the barriers of bias, one heartfelt gesture at a time.
