“I personally don’t believe that hate energy defines his fan base,” Olivia said.
In a new interview, Harry Styles opened up about the harsh treatment his ex-girlfriend, Olivia Wilde, received on social media from some of his fans.
Since Harry and Olivia were reported to be dating in January 2021, the pop star and actress-filmmaker have rarely commented on their relationship. Harry is known for cherishing and protecting the privacy of his personal life, but took the time to address the online hate against his girlfriend while speaking to Rolling Stone’s Brittany Spanos.
“Obviously, it doesn’t make me feel good,” Harry said, referring to the criticism directed at Olivia. “Obviously, the uncomfortable feeling that you’re being close to me means you’re being blackmailed by a corner of Twitter or something. I just want to sing. I don’t want to be a part of that if I’m going to hurt people like that.”
Harry Styles and Olivia Wilde met on the set of Olivia’s second film, and fans have tried to cancel Olivia for past inappropriate jokes, mocking her dancing, and criticizing the couple’s age gap.
“Can you imagine going on a second date with someone and being like, ‘Okay, there’s a corner [of the internet], and they’re going to say this, and it’s going to be really crazy, and they’re going to be really mean, and it’s not real. … But anyway, what do you want to eat?'” Harry said. Still, the “Watermelon Sugar” singer understands that this harassment isn’t a reflection of all of his fans — and Olivia agrees.
Olivia also spoke to Rolling Stone about her relationship with Harry, revealing that despite the online criticism she’s received, she doesn’t believe it’s a complete representation of Harry’s fandom. “What I don’t understand about [that] cruelty… is that kind of toxic negativity is the antithesis of Harry, and everything he puts out there,” Olivia says.
“I personally don’t believe that hateful energy defines his fan base. The vast majority of them are true champions of kindness.” It’s important to remember that celebrities are people too — people who have to deal with the painful consequences of innocuous comments or critical videos that “fans” create.
A parasocial relationship with a celebrity of your choosing doesn’t give fans the right to decide who they date, especially when it’s a romantic relationship between two consenting, age-appropriate adults. Hopefully, more musicians will hold fans accountable for their toxic behavior. And if you can’t say something nice, maybe you shouldn’t say anything at all.
