Olivia Wilde says backlash not affecting Harry Styles relationship was ‘miracle’

By Pierra Willix, Press Association Senior Entertainment Reporter

Olivia Wilde has said it was a “miracle” the backlash she faced for dating Harry Styles never affected their relationship.

The American actress and director, 42, dated the former One Direction star, 32, for nearly two years before they broke up at the end of 2022.

The pair rarely spoke publicly about their relationship; however, Wilde has now said the scrutiny she faced didn’t affect them.

Speaking on the Call Her Daddy podcast, she told host Alex Cooper: “Oh man, it really did upset people.”

“It was crazy. I don’t know how much I understand it yet. I understand it had very little to do with me. People were f****** p***ed. I think it also had a lot to do with the kind of parasocial relationship people have with him which is a burden that is very weighty and not something I envy. He carries it with grace,” she said.

“I think that is an enormous responsibility that all those stars have to carry, and it’s impossible. It’s wild because we had the loveliest relationship, so sweet and beautiful, and really very domestic and lovely.

“I think we existed in this little bubble, and the judgment never got in, which was a miracle, a testament to us making that happen. I think that people were mad. It was almost like the happiness made them mad.”

During their relationship Wilde made a rare comment about Styles in an interview with Vogue, in which she said: “I’m happier than I’ve ever been. And I’m healthier than I’ve ever been, and it’s just wonderful to feel that.”

She also said of criticisms to their age gap: “It’s obviously really tempting to correct a false narrative. But I think what you realise is that when you’re really happy, it doesn’t matter what strangers think about you. All that matters to you is what’s real, and what you love, and who you love.”

In recent months Styles has sparked engagement rumours with American actress Zoe Kravitz, 37, after first being spotted together in August last year.

During an interview with British Vogue, Kravitz said she was “aware” of the discussion about her relationship and finds it “overwhelming”.

“I’m aware it’s happening. I’m aware of when it’s happening, like when there are eight people outside my house, that’s super uncomfortable.

“I’m aware of all the ingredients that create the thing we’re talking about. But that doesn’t mean you’re necessarily OK with it.”

PA has contacted representatives for Harry Styles for comment.