Florence Pugh Addresses 'Don't Worry Darling' On-Set Tensions at New Series Premiere

Florence Pugh, 30, attended the London screening of her new Netflix series "East of Eden," where she addressed past claims of on-set tensions with director Olivia Wilde during the filming of "Don't Worry Darling." The actress plays Cathy Ames in the seven-part adaptation of John Steinbeck's novel, which is set to be released on Netflix on October 1.

Pugh arrived at the BAFTA screening in a dramatic black ruffled gown, accessorized with a ruby red necklace. She was joined by co-stars Tom Sweet and Mike Faist for the event. "East of Eden" is set in early 20th-century California and follows the intertwined lives of the Trask and Hamilton families, with Pugh portraying Cathy Ames, a manipulative character who defies societal expectations.

During promotions for "East of Eden," Pugh spoke with Vanity Fair about the reported rift between her and Wilde, which began circulating after the 2022 release of "Don't Worry Darling." Wilde has previously denied accusations of a "screaming match" on set. Pugh described the experience as having "difficulties" but stated that she focuses on what is important for her career and life.

"I feel like there's so much stuff we've covered that is important for me and on track with my life and my career," Pugh told Vanity Fair. She added that she prefers sets not to be "messy," emphasizing that "when moods change on set, it's because someone is preventing that from happening, and that's what makes people feel like they haven't been cared for."

Wilde had previously addressed the speculation in June, denying any on-set altercations. Reports suggested the feud stemmed from Wilde's relationship with Harry Styles, whom she began dating while still engaged to Jason Sudeikis. A leaked video showed Wilde telling actor Shia LaBeouf he needed a "wake-up call," which was interpreted by some as directed at Pugh.

An insider claimed to Vulture that Pugh and Wilde had a "screaming match" over Pugh's concerns about Wilde's frequent absences from set with Styles. However, Wilde stated in an interview with The Cut that she never had a screaming match on set and felt pressured by the studio to remain silent about the rumors.

During a press conference at the Venice Film Festival, which Pugh did not attend due to filming obligations for "Dune," Wilde praised Pugh's performance and stated she did not feel the need to comment on the "endless tabloid gossip."

A joint statement from 40 individuals who worked on "Don't Worry Darling," including producer Miri Yoon, was released to the Daily Mail, calling the claims about unprofessional behavior "completely false." The statement asserted that Wilde was an "incredible leader and director" who ran the set with "class and respect" and that there was "never a screaming match between our director and anyone, let alone a member of our cast."