Florence Pugh responds to ‘unfair’ questions about Olivia Wilde feud

Florence Pugh has dodged a question about her alleged feud with Olivia Wilde on the set of Don’t Worry Darling.

It has been claimed that the Midsommar actress, 28, and the director, 40, clashed behind the scenes during the filming of the psychological thriller which was released in cinemas two years ago.

Speculation of a breakup was heightened when Florence missed several promotional duties, although it was later claimed that her absence was due to scheduling conflicts while she was filming Dune 2.

The We Live In Time star has never directly addressed the rumors, explaining in an interview with Vogue that she felt it was “unfair” to focus on Don’t Worry Darling while promoting other films.

Asked about the alleged drama, Florence told the publication: “There are many times when I’m promoting a movie and I’m asked about (Don’t Worry Darling) and I always think it’s unfair to take up space from the movie I’m talking about. So I’m going to politely distance myself from that.”

Olivia has previously denied rumors of a clash, telling Elle magazine: “This movie is trying to ask big questions, but[it’s]’Let’s just focus on this sideshow here.’

“Being a household name for a while… allows me to have a Teflon exterior. But it also means you’re under a different kind of microscope. It brought my attention to the media and how it pits women against each other.

“It is shocking to see so many untruths about you presented as facts.”

She praised Florence’s acting abilities and described her performance in Don’t Worry Darling as “exquisite.”

The Booksmart director told Vanity Fair: “Florence did the job I hired her to do and she did it exquisitely. She blew me away. Every day I was in awe of her and we worked very well together.”

Speaking about the star’s lack of promotion for the film, she added: “Florence is one of the most sought-after actresses in the universe. She’s on the set of Dune. I think some people are expecting her to be more engaged on social media.”

“I didn’t hire her to post. I hired her to act. She met all my expectations. That’s all that matters to me.”

It was claimed that the alleged feud was sparked because Olivia “neglected or alienated” Florence on set because she was so smitten with her co-star Harry Styles, who she began dating before splitting in 2022.

Don’t Worry Darling follows unhappy housewife Alice (Florence) and her husband Jack (Harry) who live in an isolated, dystopian community in the California desert in the 1950s.

Read the full article in the October issue of British Vogue, available for digital download and on newsstands from Tuesday 24 September.

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