It's hardly a surprise anymore when big-name stars undergo a tweakment or two.
Naturally, therefore, when Zac Efron debuted a visibly amended appearance for his Netflix rom-com A Family Affair earlier this year, many telly buffs assumed he'd gone under the knife, with some even going as far as to criticise the star for the supposed move.
It wasn't until the image-based trolling reached unbearable heights, however, that the former High School Musical star broke his silence, revealing that recent changes to his appearance were, in fact, caused by something considerably more heartbreaking.
As we say, despite several red carpet appearances, speculation over the 37-year-old's looks intensified when he was cast alongside Nicole Kidman and Joey King in the romantic-comedy.
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The production saw him take on the role of a self-absorbed Hollywood star named Chris Cole, who strikes up a rather steamy relationship with his personal assistant’s widowed mother, Brooke.
Whilst the production generally achieved impressive reviews across the board, it was Efron's appearance that became the most hotly-discussed aspect of A Family Affair.
Taking to social media, some viewers penned cruel comments about his looks.
Thankfully, other fans came to his defence at the time, pointing out that there is actually a pretty sad reason behind any difference in his looks.
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It turns out that, over 10 years ago, the actor became embroiled in a tragic injury while at home in Los Angeles.
In an interview with Men’s Health, the actor said he had been running through his house in 2013 when he slipped and hit his face.
He had been wearing a pair of slippery socks as he fell into a fountain, hitting his face on a granite corner and knocking himself out in the process.
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After waking up, he said he realised his 'chin bone was hanging off his face', having shattered his jaw.
He recalled: "The masseters just grew. They just got really, really big."
Efron later told Entertainment Tonight that he nearly died following the accident.
When asked what he made of the ‘speculation’ online, he replied:
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"I don't really read the internet.
"It was funny. It sucked. I almost died."
Efron’s jawline looks arguably wider than before because different facial muscles have had to work harder to compensate for the near-fatal injury, and as of 2022 he was still undergoing physical therapy to try correct this.
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Hitting back at trolls online after the release of A Family Affair, one fumed: "Zac had not much choice in the matter as his jaw just about fell off and major reconstructive surgeries was required after a freak accident in his home...."
Another said: "In 2013, a nearly-fatal injury meant Zac Efron required reconstructive jaw surgery. Following several major transformations for his roles since, he’s battled depression, burnout and undernourishment. Oh, and he isn’t a CHILD anymore. Shockingly, at 36, he’s aged. Leave him be."
Rhianna Benson