He sure has. LaBeouf has been involved in a number of incidents over the years including public drunkenness and disorderly conduct,but in September 2020 concerns over his behaviour grew as his ex-girlfriend,the musician FKA Twigs,filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexual battery,assault and emotional distress.
LaBeouf denies many of the allegations,though he did tellThe New York Times,“I have been abusive to myself and everyone around me for years”. The case is set to be heard next year.
So,what was the video of Olivia Wilde in her car about? Why is that important?
The video is a message that Wilde allegedly sent to LaBeouf in August 2020,asking him to return to the production.
“I feel like I’m not ready to give up on this yet – and I too am heartbroken and I want to figure this out,” Wilde said.
She also alluded to tensions between LaBeouf and Florence Pugh saying,“I think this might be a bit of a wake-up call for Miss Flo” and suggested they may be able to “make peace” if Pugh “really commits[and] really puts her mind and heart into it”.
LaBeouf sent this clip,along with a number of similar text exchanges with the director,toVariety last week as proof that – counter to Wilde’s version of events – he was not fired from the production,and instead chose to walk away.
Oh boy. And what does Florence Pugh have to say about all this?
Pugh has kept quiet through not just this latest controversy,but almost the entire press circuit for the movie. She’s barely posted about the film on social media,instead opting to spruik other projects,and there areunconfirmed reports she will be doing just one red carpet and press conference (at the Venice Film Festival) – far fewer media appearances than a lead actress would ordinarily do for a film like this.
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This could have something to do with a long string of rumours,spread bycelebrity gossip account Deux Moi,that Pugh and Wilde haven’t got along during the production. Through this account and alsoPage Six,anonymous sources have claimed Pugh had an issue with Wilde and Styles being “all over each other” on set.
There are also allegations the pair started dating before the director’s split from her husband,Ted Lasso star Jason Sudeikis. That’s all wild speculation – and Wilde has called the supposed affair “a false narrative”.
It’s possible,however,that Pugh has a problem with how the film’s been promoted. In arare interview,withHarpers Bazaar,the actress indicated she didn’t want the film “reduced to[its] sex scenes” (which were heavily promoted in the first trailer).
“Obviously,the nature of hiring the most famous pop star in the world,you’re going to have conversations like that,” Pugh said. “That’s just not what I’m going to be discussing because[this movie is] bigger and better than that.”
Wilde,on the other hand,has taken a different approach – celebrating the way the film prioritises female pleasure.
Wait. Back up. I forgot Olivia Wilde and Harry Styles were dating. Did they meet while filming this movie?
Yep!Don’t Worry Darling has been publicly enmeshed with the stars’ personal lives right from the beginning.
Remember back in April when Wilde wasserved custody papers on stage at CinemaCon? That was one of the very first promotional events for this film.
But how is everyone feeling now? Should we ... be excited about the movie?
The only hype around the movie itself is thatHarry Styles’ accent seems godawful. So,that’s not exactly a glowing endorsement. But there will surely be curiosity when it premieres at Venice Film Festival next week,and gets its Australian release on October 6.
For now,the main feeling is a hefty outpouring of internet hatred towards Olivia Wilde. She’s being criticised for her apparent lie around LaBeouf being fired and also the way she privately discussed Florence Pugh – which seems to run counter to her recentlystated feminist principles.
It’s all leading to an interesting discussion about the way alleged abusers are treated in Hollywood,the way women are treated by the public (especially those who’ve had relationships with one of the most beloved men in TV and the most lusted after musician on the planet),and the use and power of celebrity gossip.
But,if you’re just here for the drama,there will no doubt be more after the film’s first (and only?) full cast press conference next week.
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