Florence Pugh is reflecting on why it “felt necessary” to speak out against those criticizing her relationship with ex-boyfriend Zach Braff.
“People were bullying me and bullying my partner,” the 28-year-old actress said. Reminiscing in an interview with British Vogue The statement, released Wednesday, referenced the 20-year age difference between him and the 49-year-old former “Scrubs” cast member.
“My relationship with Zach was actually pretty private until it started to deteriorate and I saw the impact it was having on him, on us, on our family,” she added. “And that's when I spoke up.”
Pugh continued, “Anyone that I'm with, I want to protect that person. It's not a good feeling to find out that people are saying the worst things I've ever read about someone I love. … I needed to speak up about it.”
“Any relationship that's in the spotlight like this is going to be stressful,” she noted.
When the former couple was dating from 2019 to 2022, the “Don't Worry Darling” star defended Braff on multiple occasions.
Her first reaction It happened on Instagram After one troll pointed out the actor's age, his then-girlfriend replied, “But he still got it.”
The following year, Pugh She told Elle UK Regarding “hurtful” social media comments.
“I have no right to tell people about my private life,” she argued in a June 2020 cover story. “It seems odd that regular people are allowed to express such hatred and opinion about parts of my life that I don't share.”
The “Little Women” star also slammed those who disagree. April 2020 Videos For teaching her “who to love and who not to love.”
She and Braff have remained on friendly terms since their split, with the Emmy nominee calling her ex-husband a “legend” in a January 2023 birthday tribute.
As for Pugh's current relationship status, she hinted at a private new romance to the magazine on Wednesday.
“We're figuring out who we really are,” she enthuses, “and for the first time, I think we're not allowing ourselves to take that rollercoaster ride. Instead of rushing into something, we're taking our time to let something evolve and be completely authentic to its core.”
“Falling in love is the most amazing feeling, but unfortunately, if that's the only thing you have in a relationship, you chase it,” the Oscar nominee continued. “It doesn't last.”
Elsewhere in the interview, Pugh said she's “always thinking about having a family” but is “just figuring out when to start.”
