Olivia Wilde Addresses ‘Spitgate’ and Navigates the Intense ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ Controversies
Director and actress Olivia Wilde has been at the epicenter of a relentless storm of speculation and gossip surrounding her highly anticipated film, Don’t Worry Darling. From alleged on-set feuds to surprising casting changes and even a bizarre viral incident dubbed “spitgate,” the movie’s journey to the big screen was anything but smooth. During a candid appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on September 21st, Wilde finally put one of the most talked-about rumors to bed, addressing the peculiar allegation that Harry Styles spit on Chris Pine at the Venice Film Festival premiere. Her response, delivered with a wry smile, offered a glimpse into her strategy for handling the unprecedented media frenzy surrounding her latest directorial effort.
Unpacking “Spitgate”: The Rumor That Captivated the Internet
The “spitgate” incident emerged from a seemingly innocuous moment during the Don’t Worry Darling premiere at the Venice Film Festival on September 5th. A video clip, which quickly went viral, appeared to show Harry Styles, 28, taking his seat next to co-star Chris Pine, 42. As Styles moved, many viewers claimed to see him lean over and spit on Pine’s lap. The internet exploded with theories and analyses, dissecting every frame of the footage. Chris Pine’s stoic, seemingly unfazed reaction, followed by a slight pause and a subtle smile, only fueled the speculation, making the moment a global talking point within hours. It was a classic case of collective online scrutiny, where every micro-expression and gesture was magnified and debated across social media platforms.
The intensity of the “spitgate” conversation became so pervasive that it overshadowed much of the actual film’s debut. Fans and critics alike became armchair detectives, replaying the clip endlessly, attempting to confirm or deny the alleged act. While many were convinced by the visual evidence, others pointed out the ambiguous nature of the video, suggesting it could have been a trick of the light, an awkward interaction, or simply an exaggerated movement from Styles. The sheer absurdity of the rumor, combined with the high-profile nature of the stars involved, created a perfect storm for viral content, turning a brief red carpet interaction into a prolonged international discussion point. It highlighted the modern media landscape’s ability to create monumental drama from the most fleeting of moments.
“People will look for drama anywhere they can. Harry did not spit on Chris, in fact.” — @oliviawilde on #spitgate
More tonight on @CBS at 11:35/10:35c. #LSSC pic.twitter.com/RQS54WJH0G
— The Late Show (@colbertlateshow) September 22, 2022
Harry Styles’ Humorous Response and Olivia Wilde’s Definitive Denial
Before Olivia Wilde weighed in, Harry Styles himself addressed the swirling rumors with characteristic nonchalance. Just two days after the Venice premiere, during his September 7th concert in New York City, Styles made a witty, self-aware joke that delighted his audience. “It’s wonderful, wonderful, wonderful to be back in New York. I just popped very quickly to Venice to spit on Chris Pine,” he quipped to a roaring crowd. His lighthearted dismissal of the event resonated with many, suggesting that the entire incident was blown out of proportion and perhaps even a testament to the insatiable appetite for celebrity drama. This playful approach offered a stark contrast to the intense scrutiny the moment had received online, effectively turning the absurdity back on the rumor itself.
Harry Styles: “It’s wonderful, wonderful, wonderful to be back in New York. I just popped very quickly to Venice to spit on Chris Pine.” pic.twitter.com/TUGOSoQPxw
— CONSEQUENCE (@consequence) September 8, 2022
Olivia Wilde echoed Styles’ sentiment on The Late Show, offering a firm and unequivocal denial. With a broad grin, she stated, “He did not. I think it’s a perfect example of people who look for drama anywhere they can. Harry did not spit on Chris, in fact.” Her statement served as the most authoritative dismissal of the rumor from someone directly involved in the film’s production and personal life of the alleged spitter. A source close to the former One Direction member had also previously clarified to HollywoodLife that he “100% did not spit on/at” the Star Trek actor, labeling the rumor a “completely fabricated exchange and any suggestion otherwise is a blatant attempt to create drama that simply does not exist.” These collective denials, while initially met with skepticism by some, ultimately aimed to shut down the more sensational aspects of the “spitgate” narrative, allowing the focus to (ideally) return to the film itself.
Beyond “Spitgate”: A Chronicle of ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ Controversies
While “spitgate” provided a moment of viral, albeit bizarre, entertainment, it was merely one chapter in a much larger saga of controversies that plagued Don’t Worry Darling. The film’s production and promotion were rife with whispers of on-set tension, conflicting narratives, and alleged feuds, creating an almost unprecedented level of public scrutiny for a modern Hollywood release. These deeper issues touched upon casting decisions, directorial integrity, and the dynamics between key cast members, overshadowing the artistic merits of the psychological thriller. The relentless gossip transformed the film’s rollout into a real-life drama, leaving audiences captivated not just by the movie’s plot, but by the behind-the-scenes turmoil.
The Tumultuous Departure of Shia LaBeouf
One of the earliest and most significant controversies revolved around the casting change for the male lead, a role originally intended for Shia LaBeouf. Olivia Wilde initially claimed she fired LaBeouf to protect her cast, particularly leading actress Florence Pugh, citing concerns about his “combative energy” and a desire for a “safe” and “supportive” environment on set. This narrative positioned Wilde as a decisive director prioritizing her team’s well-being. However, LaBeouf quickly challenged this account, providing evidence in the form of text messages and emails that suggested he had chosen to quit the project due to a lack of rehearsal time, which he argued was necessary for the complex roles. His leaked communications also included a video message from Wilde seemingly trying to convince him to stay, appearing to implicitly criticize Florence Pugh in the process. This conflicting information created significant confusion and ignited a fierce debate about the truth behind the casting switch and Olivia Wilde’s public statements.
The Alleged Feud Between Olivia Wilde and Florence Pugh
Perhaps the most persistent and damaging rumor was the alleged fallout between Olivia Wilde and the film’s critically acclaimed star, Florence Pugh. Speculation about a rift intensified when Pugh significantly limited her promotional activities for the film, often appearing only for contractual obligations and conspicuously absent from press conferences where Wilde was present. Reports surfaced suggesting Pugh was unhappy with Olivia Wilde’s alleged on-set relationship with Harry Styles, particularly given Wilde was still publicly linked to her former partner, Jason Sudeikis. Other rumors cited a pay disparity between Pugh and Styles, or general discomfort with the film’s production environment. While Olivia Wilde consistently shut down these rumors, publicly praising Pugh’s talent and contribution, Florence’s notable absence and her often terse responses during the brief promotional encounters only fueled the media’s obsession. The optics at the Venice Film Festival, where Pugh arrived later than her co-stars and appeared to maintain a visible distance from Wilde, further cemented the narrative of an unresolved tension between the director and her leading lady.
Olivia Wilde’s Composed Approach to Public Scrutiny
Amidst the swirling vortex of rumors and public speculation, Olivia Wilde has maintained a remarkably composed and philosophical stance. During her September 21st appearance onThe Kelly Clarkson Show, she eloquently reflected on the “soap opera” surrounding her film and shared her personal strategy for navigating such intense scrutiny. Wilde acknowledged the difficulty of the situation but quickly pivoted to a broader perspective, emphasizing gratitude and the importance of focusing on what truly matters in life. “It’s hard sometimes, but at the end of the day, I’m so lucky,” she stated, putting her challenges into context. “I’m so lucky and there’s people dealing with so many really hard things. The people in Jackson, Mississippi, don’t have water. There’s people everywhere dealing with real health crises. My stuff is out there, but I’m alive, and my kids are alive, and that’s what gets me through.”
This grounded perspective highlights Wilde’s ability to compartmentalize and find solace in her personal life amidst the professional chaos. By comparing Hollywood gossip to more pressing global issues, she subtly reframed the narrative around her film’s troubles, suggesting that while the drama is pervasive, it pales in comparison to genuine human suffering. Her focus on her children and her own well-being serves as an anchor, allowing her to weather the relentless storm of public opinion with a degree of grace. This approach not only demonstrates resilience but also offers a powerful message about perspective in the face of celebrity culture’s often exaggerated narratives. Wilde’s determination to rise above the noise and prioritize her core values has become a defining aspect of her public persona throughout the Don’t Worry Darling saga.
The Lasting Impact of the ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ Narrative
The relentless stream of controversies, from “spitgate” to casting disputes and alleged feuds, undeniably created an unprecedented media buzz around Don’t Worry Darling. While some argue that any publicity is good publicity, the sheer volume of negative and distracting headlines arguably overshadowed the film’s artistic merits and the performances of its cast. Instead of discussions revolving around the psychological thriller’s themes, cinematography, or storytelling, the public conversation largely centered on behind-the-scenes drama. This phenomenon raises questions about the impact of celebrity gossip on the perception and success of creative works in the digital age. Did the controversies drive curious viewers to the box office, or did they taint the film’s reputation before many even had a chance to see it?
Ultimately, Don’t Worry Darling opened to mixed reviews, with critics often acknowledging the film’s visual style and Pugh’s standout performance, but frequently mentioning the off-screen drama as an unavoidable backdrop. Olivia Wilde’s journey through this intense period has been a masterclass in navigating public scrutiny, demonstrating remarkable composure and a commitment to her vision despite the relentless external pressures. The film’s legacy will likely be a complex one, remembered not just for its cinematic narrative, but for the intricate and often wild “soap opera” that unfolded during its production and promotion, proving that sometimes, the drama behind the scenes can be just as compelling, if not more so, than the story on screen.