Celebrity4 min(s) read
Published 08:49 25 Jun 2026 GMT
Olivia Wilde has addressed long-running rumors regarding her relationship with actress Florence Pugh during the production of the thriller film Don't Worry Darling.
For years, gossip surrounding the production clouded the film's release, with allegations pointing toward a hostile environment on set.
The focus of Wilde's recent statements is the direct denial of a major confrontation. Reports had circulated claiming that the director and her leading lady engaged in a massive argument during filming. Wilde has formally rejected these claims, shedding light on why she stayed quiet during the height of the media storm.
Speaking with the publication The Cut, Wilde focused directly on the claims of a chaotic workplace. "I have never had a screaming match on my set. I was never not available on set. I wanted to be like, 'None of this is true'," she stated.
The filmmaker noted that she was pressured by outside forces to stay quiet when the rumors first gained traction. Reflecting on the studio's advice, she explained, "I was told, 'Don't say a f**ing word. Just go out there and smile.'"
Wilde expressed regret over following that guidance, adding, "I resent that, but it taught me it's not the way I want to handle things."
Much of the public speculation centered on Wilde's romantic relationship with singer and actor Harry Styles, who also starred in the film. Sources at the time alleged that Pugh was uncomfortable with the relationship because Wilde was still engaged to Jason Sudeikis when it began.
Rumors intensified after a video leaked in which Wilde referred to Pugh as "Miss Flo" and suggested she needed a "wake-up call" during rehearsals.
Reports from outlets like Vulture alleged that Wilde and Styles would frequently disappear from the set, leading to an anonymous insider claiming that the two women had a confrontation over these absences.
Despite the ongoing tabloid attention, members of the production crew have stepped forward to defend the director. A joint statement signed by 40 individuals who worked on the film, including producer Miri Yoon, strongly contested the negative stories.
"As a crew, we've avoided addressing the absurd gossip surrounding the movie we're so proud of, but feel the need to correct the anonymous 'sources' quoted in a recent article," the statement read via Variety.
The crew asserted that Wilde maintained an orderly environment, stating, "Any allegations about unprofessional behavior on the set are completely false. 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 herself had previously praised Pugh publicly during a press conference at the Venice Film Festival, which Pugh could not attend due to her filming schedule for Dune.
When asked at the festival to address the alleged falling out, Wilde responded (via Vanity Fair), "Florence is a force and we are so grateful that she is able to make it tonight despite being in production on Dune."
She went on to say, "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."
Wilde concluded her remarks by stating, "I can't say enough how honoured 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, I think it's sufficiently well nourished."
Wilde and Styles have since ended their relationship, while Wilde continues to co-parent her two children, Otis and Daisy, with her former partner Sudeikis.
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