“Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” star Chris Pine has finally answered some questions about ‘Spitgate,’ the viral controversy surrounding his “Don’t Worry Darling” co-star Harry Styles. The buzz was that Styles allegedly spit on Pine at the film’s Venice Film Festival premiere in 2022.
Pine has since clarified that no, Styles did not spit on him. The “Star Trek” (09) star says Styles merely leaned down and made a joke about the press tour’s exhausting nature. Pine’s publicist had previously denied the rumors, and emphasized ‘mutual respect’ between the two stars.
Pine also addressed the drama surrounding “Don’t Worry Darling.” Particularly, the rumors of tension between director Olivia Wilde and co-star Florence Pugh over Wilde’s relationship with Styles. Pine insisted he was unaware of any issues and the negative reception the film received was disproportionate to its quality.
Despite the negative attention, Pine had positive things to say about his co-stars. He had glowing things to say about Pugh, whom he had previously worked with in “Outlaw King.” Pine also had a good sense of humor about the memes that circulated on social media. His seemingly bored expression during a recent press conference set the internet ablaze. Pine attributed his behavior to jet lag and exhaustion from the long flight to Italy.
The Spitgate controversy highlights the intense scrutiny celebrities face in the age of social media. A single viral moment can lead to widespread speculation and rumors, and it’s up to publicists and the stars themselves to control the narrative. Pine’s clarification of what actually happened between him and Styles demonstrates the importance of setting the record straight to avoid further escalation of false rumors.
Furthermore, Pine’s comments on the drama surrounding “Don’t Worry Darling” highlight the dangers of celebrity gossip and speculation. While fans may enjoy theorizing about behind-the-scenes drama, their assumptions can negatively impact the perception of a film or project. Pine’s insistence that the negative attention was unwarranted emphasizes the importance of evaluating art on its own merit rather than allowing rumors to color one’s perception.
In the end, Pine’s interview with Esquire serves as a reminder of the human side of celebrity. While they may be in the public eye, stars are still individuals with their own experiences and emotions. Pine’s good-natured response to the memes about him is a refreshing reminder not to take social media too seriously and to appreciate the humor in everyday life.
Catch Pine in “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” March 31st, 2023.
