The number of Olivia Wilde's Instagram followers has increased amid the drama connected with her new film Don't Worry Darling.
The movie premiered on Monday, September 5, at the Venice International Film Festival, but it's been overshadowed by alleged tensions among the cast.
First, there were reports that Florence Pugh didn't support the director's relationship with co-star Harry Styles. Then, Wilde, 38, claimed she fired Shia LaBeouf from the project, only for the actor, 36, to say that he was "confused" by that "narrative" in an email to Variety.
Feud speculation was fueled further when Pugh, 26, missed the film's press conference on Monday. Variety, however, reported her plane landed after the panel, citing her involvement in the filming of Dune: Part Two in Budapest as the reason for her delayed appearance.
Although Pugh missed the Don't Worry Darling press conference, she arrived in time for the premiere later on Monday.
Fans then dissected a video that made the rounds on social media of Styles, 28, appearing to spit on Chris Pine, though that narrative was fiercely debunked by the Wonder Woman star's representative.
"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," a statement to People read.
"Just to be clear, Harry Styles did not spit on Chris Pine. 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."
According to Social Blade—a website that tracks social media statistics—Wilde's Instagram following saw a sharp spike this week despite the messy press surrounding her new film.
While the mom of two—who shares kids Otis, 8, and Daisy, 5, with estranged husband Jason Sudeikis—averaged just over 400 followers a day in the days leading up to the film festival, Wilde's following had grown by 3,716 on Tuesday, September 6, and by 3,523 on September 7 at the time of publication.
Newsweek has reached out to Wilde's representative for comment.
She briefly addressed the speculation during the film's presser, calling the noise "gossip."
"Florence is a force, and we are so grateful that she is able to make it tonight, despite being in production on Dune," she said in a rare comment about their alleged falling out.
"I know as a director how disruptive it is to lose an actor even for a day, so I'm very grateful to her and [filmmaker] Denis Villeneuve for helping us. We're really thrilled we'll get to celebrate her work tonight.
"I mean, the internet feeds itself," the New York native concluded. "I don't feel the need to contribute. I think it's sufficiently well nourished."
Don't Worry Darling opens in U.S. theaters on Friday, September 23.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Megan Cartwright is Newsweek's Deputy Entertainment Editor, based in London, U.K. Her focus is on U.S. pop culture and entertainment ... Read more
To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.
