Florence Pugh has opened up about her controversial relationship with fellow actor Zach Braff, highlighting the significant public scrutiny they faced due to their 21-year age gap. The couple first crossed paths in 2019 while working on the short film “In the Time it Takes to Get There,” which Braff directed and Pugh starred in. At that time, she was just 24 years old, while Braff was 45. Their romance quickly attracted attention, leading to both support and criticism from fans around the world.
During a recent episode of The Louis Theroux Podcast, Pugh candidly discussed the challenges they faced as a couple under public scrutiny. She expressed her frustration, stating that regardless of how much they shared about their relationship, people were more interested in creating their own narratives. “They want a story; they want a reality show,” she reflected, admitting that the criticism was painful.
Pugh recalled a specific instance in 2020, when she celebrated Braff’s birthday on Instagram. The post was met with an overwhelming wave of negativity, as approximately 70% of the comments directed towards the couple were abusive. “The abuse that you throw at him is abuse that you throw at me,” she asserted, emphasizing her commitment to defending him amid the backlash.
While Pugh and Braff officially ended their relationship in 2022, Pugh cited the public’s harsh judgment as a significant contributing factor to their split. Despite the difficulties faced in their relationship, Pugh remains resilient and determined to fight against such public scrutiny.
Fans can look forward to seeing Pugh in her upcoming projects, including “Dune: Messiah” and “Avengers: Doomsday,” both set to release in 2026. The actress continues to navigate her career and personal life with grace, showing that even through hardship, resilience prevails.