Olivia Wilde Has a ‘Crazy’ Theory That Her Tabloid Scrutiny Relates to Rise of Fascism

Olivia Wilde believes the intense tabloid scrutiny her 2022 film "Don’t Worry Darling" faced is connected to the growing threat of fascism in the United States. During an interview with The New York Times, Wilde reflected on the offscreen drama and speculation surrounding the film, which overshadowed the movie itself. She suggested that the public's distrust of public figures, fueled by an overwhelming amount of information, has contributed to the dangerous trend of fascism.

Wilde, whose family background includes journalists, recalled her grandfather's advice to "believe nothing until it is officially denied," emphasizing the need for critical thinking. She acknowledged the "crazy" idea that her tabloid storm could be related to fascism, explaining that the lack of reliable information allowed audiences to create their own narratives, turning scattered reports into a larger, more titillating story.

Wilde cast herself as the villain in this narrative, but she did not harbor anger over the experience, stating that it took her several years to gain perspective. The ordeal forced her to reflect on herself and grow, crediting therapy, reading, and travel for helping her move forward. Wilde emphasized that the experience taught her that anything forcing critical thinking and deep reflection is ultimately beneficial.