Florence Pugh Reveals Strain of Defending Age-Gap Romance with Zach Braff
Florence Pugh has opened up about the challenges she faced while defending her age-gap romance with Zach Braff. The two actors started dating in 2019, a relationship that garnered substantial public attention due to their 21-year age difference.
Relationship Background
Pugh and Braff’s connection began on the set of the short film In the Time it Takes to Get There, directed by Braff and starring Pugh. At the time, Pugh was just 24 years old, while Braff was 45.
Public Scrutiny and Online Abuse
Since going public with their relationship, Pugh faced intense criticism and online abuse targeted at Braff. In a recent episode of The Louis Theroux Podcast, she discussed the public’s relentless scrutiny and the emotional toll it took on her.
- Pugh expressed that no amount of explanation or defense seemed to matter to the public.
- She stated, “People don’t care. They want a story; they want a reality show.”
- Online comments often included bullying directed at her partner, which Pugh found hurtful.
Social Media Impact
Pugh’s experience with social media backlash was particularly vivid after she posted a birthday tribute to Braff in 2020. Within minutes, her comments section was inundated with negative remarks.
- She noted that approximately 70% of the comments were abusive.
- Pugh emphasized, “The abuse that you throw at him is abuse that you throw at me.”
Breakup and Future Projects
A year after the birthday incident, Pugh and Braff officially ended their relationship in 2022. Pugh attributed part of their breakup to the overwhelming public scrutiny they faced.
Looking ahead, Pugh continues her acting career, with upcoming roles in Dune: Messiah and Avengers: Doomsday, both set to be released in 2026.
