Justin Theroux may have just gotten engaged to his actress girlfriend, but it turns out his heart still holds a soft spot for his famous ex-wife, Jennifer Aniston. In a candid interview with the Times, the “Beetlejuice” star admitted that Jennifer remains incredibly dear to him—especially in light of her recent public clash with J.D. Vance, Donald Trump’s running mate. Vance had made controversial remarks about so-called “childless cat ladies,” which clearly struck a nerve.

Addressing questions about the spat, Justin said, “She is still very dear to me so, of course, yeah, I feel protective.” He went on to commend Jennifer for standing up to the criticism, noting, “But she batted back criticism, as well she should.”

Justin’s reflections on his ex come at a time when he is embarking on a new chapter. His recent engagement, which took place last month in Italy during his promotional run for a new movie, signals a fresh start with his current fiancée. Yet, despite the new romance, his protective sentiments for Jennifer indicate that the past still holds an important place in his heart.

Justin and Jennifer, who were married in 2015 and divorced in 2018, clearly share a long and complicated history. As fans and media continue to follow his journey, it remains to be seen how his current relationship will navigate the lingering affection he openly expresses for his former spouse.