Olivia Wilde has spoken out about the persistent rumors of a toxic environment and a significant rift between herself and "Don't Worry Darling" star Florence Pugh. Wilde, who directed the psychological thriller, specifically denied claims that she and Pugh engaged in a "screaming match" on set. "I have never had a screaming match on my set," Wilde stated in a recent interview. "I was never not available on set. I wanted to be like, 'None of this is not true.'"
The speculation about a feud reportedly began due to Wilde's relationship with Harry Styles, who also starred in the film. Pugh was allegedly upset that Wilde was involved with Styles while Pugh was still engaged to Jason Sudeikis. "At the time, the feud was reported to have begun as a result of Wilde's relationship with Harry Styles," the notes state. Wilde acknowledged that she was advised by the studio and others not to address the rumors during the film's rollout, a directive she now regrets. "I was told, 'Don't say a f**king word. Just go out there and smile,'" Wilde recalled. "I resent that, but it taught me it's not the way I want to handle things."
Reports from unnamed insiders at the time suggested that Pugh took issue with Wilde's "frequent, unexplained absences" on set, which allegedly led to a "screaming match." Wilde, however, maintained that the rumors contaminated the film's release. "The toxic rumors contaminated the rollout of the film and followed Wilde around for years," the notes read.
During a press conference for "Don't Worry Darling" at the Venice Film Festival, which Pugh did not attend due to filming obligations for "Dune," Wilde praised her lead actress. "Florence is a force and we are so grateful that she is able to make it tonight despite being in production on Dune," Wilde said. "I know as a director how disruptive it is to lose an actor even for a day so I'm very grateful to her and Denis Villeneuve for helping us – we're really thrilled we'll get to celebrate her work tonight." She added, "I can't say enough how honored I am to have her as our lead. She's amazing in the film and as for all the endless tabloid gossip and all the noise out there, I mean, the internet feeds itself. I don't feel the need to contribute, it's sufficiently well nourished."
Following the film's release, a joint statement from 40 individuals who worked on "Don't Worry Darling," including producer Miri Yoon, was obtained by the Daily Mail. The statement aimed to "correct" what they called "absurd" and "completely false" claims about the set. "Any allegations about unprofessional behavior on the set are completely false," the statement read. "Olivia is an incredible leader and director who was present with and involved in every aspect of production. She ran this set with class and respect for everyone involved. There was never a screaming match between our director and anyone, let alone a member of our cast."
Wilde and Styles have since separated. Wilde has two children, Otis Alexander and Daisy Josephine, with her former partner Jason Sudeikis.
