‘Don’t Worry Darling’ Drama: Florence, Olivia Rumored Feud, Harry Romance Backlash, Shia Clapback 

Olivia and Florence’s Rumored Feud

After a report surfaced alleging that Florence didn’t support the director’s relationship with her costar, several online users weighed in about the matter upon noticing the Midsommar actress’ social media activity.

Olivia shared a behind-the-scenes image of her watching Florence perform in a scene, captioning the moment, “Watching this woman work was such a f—king thrill! Cannot wait to show you more. @florencepugh @dontworrydarling.”

However, eagle-eyed fans were quick to notice that Florence did not “like” the post or comment on it after Olivia complimented her.

“The way Florence Pugh has yet to post about don’t worry darling even though there are two trailers out for it and yet she’ll post about every single other project that she’s doing right now like what did Olivia Wilde do ????” [sic] one Twitter user wrote, whereas others also pointed out that Florence has said “nothing” about the film at all on her social media account.

However, Florence did, indeed, share a teaser from the upcoming movie via her Instagram on August 11.

After another report surfaced alleging that Harry was paid more than Florence, Olivia slammed the rumors as “clickbait” in her August interview with Variety.

“There is absolutely no validity to those claims,” the Tron: Legacy star told the outlet.

Olivia and Harry Face Backlash for Romance

Countless social media users started attacking Olivia after learning she was in a relationship with Harry, with some even labeling her as “problematic” on Twitter.

“That obviously doesn’t make me feel good,” the “As It Was” artist told Rolling Stone. “Can you imagine, going on a second date with someone and being like, ‘Okay, there’s this corner of the thing, and they’re going to say this, and it’s going to be really crazy, and they’re going to be really mean, and it’s not real. But anyway, what do you want to eat?’ It’s obviously a difficult feeling to feel like being close to me means you’re at the ransom of a corner of Twitter or something. I just wanted to sing. I didn’t want to get into it if I was going to hurt people like that.”

Shia Fights Back

In her August Variety cover story, Olivia claimed that she had fired Shia from the project in 2020.

“I say this as someone who is such an admirer of his work,” the Incredible Burt Wonderstone actress began. “His process was not conducive to the ethos that I demand in my productions. He has a process that, in some ways, seems to require a combative energy, and I don’t personally believe that is conducive to the best performances. I believe that creating a safe, trusting environment is the best way to get people to do their best work. Ultimately, my responsibility is to the production and to the cast to protect them. That was my job.”

Shortly after the story was published, the former Even Stevens star denied Olivia’s statement by providing what he claimed was an email he had sent to her to the outlet.

“I hope this finds you inspired, purposeful, fulfilled [and] well. I pray every night that you [and] your family have health, happiness [and] everything God would give me,” Shia allegedly wrote to Olivia. “What inspired this email today is your latest Variety story. I am greatly honored by your words on my work; thank you, that felt good to read. I am a little confused about the narrative that I was fired, however. You and I both know the reasons for my exit. I quit your film because your actors [and] I couldn’t find time to rehearse.”

The Holes actor continued, “Firing me never took place, Olivia. And while I fully understand the attractiveness of pushing that story because of the current social landscape, the social currency that brings. It is not the truth. So, I am humbly asking, as a person with an eye toward making things right, that you correct the narrative as best you can. I hope none of this negatively effects you, and that your film is successful in all the ways you want it to be.”

Olivia and Shia ‘Never Saw Eye to Eye’

Just one week after Shia and Olivia publicly commented about each other, a source told Us Weekly the two “never saw eye to eye” in the first place.

“She felt he was a loose cannon and he thought she was on an ego trip,” the insider told the outlet on September 1.

Florence Missed the Venice Press Conference

Florence skipped the September 5 Don’t Worry Darling press conference at the Venice Film Festival, per Variety. The outlet reported that she was flying via private jet into Venice after the presser, with others citing the production of Dune: Part Two in Budapest as the likely reason for her late arrival. 

Olivia Defends Florence

Although Florence missed the Venice Film Festival press conference on September 5, Olivia made sure to defend the leading lady after she was asked to “clear the air” on the rumored feud.

“Florence is a force, and we are so grateful that she’s able to make it tonight despite being in production on Dune,” the director clarified, confirming that Florence was, indeed, busy working on another production. “I know, as a director, how disruptive it is to lose an actor even for a day, so I’m very grateful to her, to [Dune director] Denis Villeneuve for helping us. And we’re really thrilled we’ll get to celebrate her work tonight. I can’t say enough how honored I am to have her as our lead. She’s amazing in the film.”

Olivia then called the speculation “noise” and “gossip” and declined to address the matter further.

“I don’t feel the need to contribute. It’s sufficiently well nourished,” she concluded.

‘Spitgate’

As Harry arrived to take his seat next to Chris inside the theater for the Don’t Worry Darling screening at the Venice Film Festival on September 5, fans claimed video appeared to show the singer seemingly spitting on his costar’s lap. #Spitgate immediately began trending on Twitter while viewers analyzed the video at length.

The following day, Chris’ rep denied that any sort of spitting occurred. “This is a ridiculous story — a complete fabrication and the result of an odd online illusion that is clearly deceiving and allows for foolish speculation,” his rep told People.
“Just to be clear, Harry Styles did not spit on Chris Pine,” the rep continued, adding, “There is nothing but respect between these two men, and any suggestion otherwise is a blatant attempt to create drama that simply does not exist.”

Olivia Doubles Down on Shia Claims

During a September 21 appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, the director clarified the details behind Shia’s departure from the production.
“Early on in the process of making the film, as the director, I tried to mediate a situation between people to try to see if they could work together happily,” Olivia explained to Stephen Colbert. “Once it became clear that it was not a tenable working relationship, I was given an ultimatum. I chose my actress — which I’m very happy I did.”

She then added that she was “bummed [they] weren’t able to make it work” and noted that a video of her speaking to Shia was “without context.”

“Did information about him come to light later that made me confident we made the right decision? Absolutely,” Olivia continued. “We had to replace Shia. He is a fantastic actor, but it wasn’t gonna work. When he gave me the ultimatum of, you know, him or Florence, I chose Florence.”