Olivia Wilde reflects on Harry Styles romance and 'Don't Worry Darling' backlash

Olivia Wilde is looking back on one of the most turbulent chapters of her career, admitting that the intense scrutiny surrounding Don't Worry Darling and her relationship with Harry Styles felt like "living inside a tornado."

Appearing on The Louis Theroux Podcast, the actress and filmmaker opened up about the media frenzy that overshadowed the release of her 2022 psychological thriller, saying the speculation often became louder than the film itself.

Wilde, who began dating Styles after meeting on the set of Don't Worry Darling, said she understands why the public tried to fill in the gaps when little information was being shared.

"What happens is when we aren't given information, we have a human instinct to assume," she said. "I get why people are distrustful."

The film's release was overshadowed by months of headlines, including rumours of behind-the-scenes tension, questions surrounding Florence Pugh's relationship with Wilde, the departure of Shia LaBeouf, and Wilde's romance with Styles. The pair dated for nearly two years before separating in late 2022.

Reflecting on the period, Wilde admitted she now regrets following advice to remain silent as speculation spiralled.

"I was told, 'Don't say a f---ing word. Just go out there and smile,'" she previously recalled. "I resent that." Looking back, she said she wishes she had been more vocal in correcting false narratives instead of allowing rumours to dominate the conversation.

Despite the backlash, Wilde said she does not blame audiences for trying to piece together what they believed had happened.

"I appreciate the instinct of questioning a questioning public," she explained, acknowledging that people naturally search for answers when information is limited.

The director also described the experience as emotionally painful, saying the constant speculation affected both her personally and professionally. Still, she believes it ultimately taught her valuable lessons about handling public scrutiny and protecting her own voice.

Years after Don't Worry Darling became one of Hollywood's most talked-about productions, Wilde said she has made peace with the experience. While the film remains closely associated with off-screen drama, she hopes time will allow audiences to focus more on the work itself than the headlines that surrounded it.