'None of this is true': Olivia Wilde rejects Florence Pugh 'screaming match' claims
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Actress Olivia Wilde has addressed the long-running controversy surrounding the production of 'Don't Worry Darling,' firmly rejecting reports that a "screaming match" took place on set or that she was frequently absent during filming.
In a new interview with 'The Cut,' Wilde reflected on the intense media attention that surrounded the 2022 psychological thriller, which starred actress Florence Pugh. The film became the subject of widespread tabloid speculation amid reports of tensions between the two.
Olivia Wilde denies Florence Pugh 'screaming match' claims
Ahead of the film's theatrical release in September 2022, Vulture reported that a "blowout argument" had allegedly occurred between Wilde and Pugh approximately three-quarters of the way through production.
According to the report, Pugh had become frustrated with what were described as Wilde's frequent unexplained absences from set, with allegations suggesting that Wilde and singer Harry Styles would disappear together during filming as their relationship developed.
The report also claimed that Pugh contacted New Line Cinema's then-chairman Toby Emmerich to ensure she would not have to participate in the film's promotional cycle. Responding to those claims, Wilde strongly denied the allegations in her interview.
“I've 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 said. She also revealed that she was advised by the studio and others associated with the project to remain silent amid the growing speculation.
"I was told, 'Don't say a word. Just go out there and smile.' I resent that, but it taught me it's not the way I want to handle things," she said.
Reflecting on the public scrutiny she faced during the controversy, Wilde recalled advice given to her by actress Jennifer Garner more than a decade ago.
"She said it's like you get cast in a soap opera by the public. And they assign you an obvious archetype: the damsel in distress, the good girl, the pretty girl. I became the full-on villain. Like Cruella.”
Olivia Wilde reflects on staying silent during 'Don't Worry Darling' controversy
Wilde also discussed the personal impact of remaining silent while rumors circulated about the film and her conduct as a director.
"I never felt more disconnected from the person that people were talking about. It was also very strange to see complete fiction traded as fact," she said.
She added that she wanted to publicly deny the allegations but was advised against doing so. Wilde said she felt responsible not only for herself but also for the hundreds of people who had worked on the film. Looking back, she acknowledged that her effort to appear strong and rise above the controversy may have come across as inauthentic.
During the height of the rumors, she received public support from members of the 'Don't Worry Darling' crew. A group of 40 crew members, including producer Katie Silberman, cinematographer Matthew Libatique, and costume designer Arianne Phillips, issued a joint statement defending her and disputing reports of unprofessional behavior.
The crew described her as "an incredible leader and director who was present and involved with every aspect of production" and stated that allegations regarding misconduct on set were "completely false." They also directly rejected reports of a confrontation between Wilde and Pugh.
"There was never a screaming match between our director and anyone, let alone a member of our cast," the statement read.
The crew further stated that they were proud to publicly support Wilde, saying they had personally witnessed and benefited from the collaborative and safe working environment she created throughout the production.
