Florence Pugh has explained why she chose not to address the controversy surrounding Don't Worry Darling during its scandal-filled release in 2022.
Pugh, who starred as Alice Chambers alongside Harry Styles in the Olivia Wilde-directed film, found herself at the centre of speculation about on-set tensions.
Rumours of a feud between Pugh and Wilde, pay disputes, and Pugh's alleged discomfort over Wilde’s relationship with Styles were rampant during the film's promotion.
Despite the frenzy, Pugh stayed silent. But in a new interview for Vogue's October issue, where she also speaks about feeling bullied by the public, she finally opened up about why she took that stance.
"There’s so many times when I’ve been doing press for a movie, and I am asked questions about [Don’t Worry Darling]," she said. "I always think it’s unfair to take the space away from the movie that I’m talking about."
The drama surrounding the film wasn’t just limited to Pugh and Wilde. Shia LaBeouf, who was originally cast in the role of Jack, was replaced by Styles.
While Wilde claimed she fired LaBeouf, the actor insisted he quit due to scheduling conflicts, telling Variety, "You and I both know the reasons for my exit."
Sources told Vulture that Pugh and Wilde had a confrontation over Wilde’s frequent absences, culminating in a "screaming match." Another insider alleged that Wilde and Styles would regularly disappear from the set.
The feud gained further attention when a leaked video showed Wilde seemingly mockingly referring to Pugh as "Miss Flo" during rehearsals. According to reports, Warner Bros. executive Toby Emmerich had to step in to mediate between the two.
Pugh, who rarely discusses her personal life, also spoke about her relationship with actor Zach Braff, which ended in 2022 after three years.
"Mine and Zach’s relationship was actually quite private until it was nasty," she said, explaining how public attention affected their families.
"It’s not nice knowing that people are saying the worst things I’ve ever read about someone that I love."
