Harry Styles has been in the news for a long time now. His latest album, 'Harry's House,' has been breaking records right after release. He has also been in the news for his acting career.
Styles has two big movies coming out this year; My Policeman, a tragic gay love story, and Don't Worry Darling, a psychological thriller, both to be released in fall 2022. But that's not it. Apart from breaking musical records and starring in the two most anticipated movies of the year, Styles' fans have been talking about something else.
Harry Styles started dating his director, Olivia Wilde, in January 2021, and Harry's fan base went wild, though not in a good way.
Olivia Seems To Have Confirmed The Relationship
The news of Harry and Olivia dating hit the internet in January 2021, when Styles was spotted holding hands with Wilde at his manager's very private wedding in LA. The pair has since been papped strolling around LA, Italy, and the busy roads of London. Wilde was also seen at most of Harry's Love On Tour concerts, something that onlookers saw as a clear sign she was smitten with the singer.
Although Styles never confirmed the relationship, even after being asked on the Howard Stern Show, it's also true that he hasn't spoken out about many past relationships, either.
Exes like Kendall Jenner and Taylor Swift probably appreciate the fact that dating Harry, while making them more visible, didn't mean Styles gossiping about them during or after their romances.
Of course, Olivia has been quite vocal about their purported relationship, though she hasn't exactly mentioned Harry by name. She has, however, said that being in a happy relationship means she and her partner don't care what rumors people start or what they say.
It's a good thing they don't listen to the public; within six months of them being together, there were a handful of engagement and pregnancy rumors making headlines. To date, however, neither seem to have been confirmed as true.
However, many fans think the relationship is a PR stunt that will end around the release of Don't Worry Darling. And they do make a good point about the pair's perceived compatibility.
Harry's Fans Don't Approve Of Olivia's Past
The primary reason fans aren't thrilled with the suggestion that Olivia and Harry are dating? Her problematic past.
Over the years, Olivia has publicly made statements that are, at best, insensitive. At worst, as critics have pointed out, her statements can be considered homophobic and/or transphobic, while some of her actions are described as being racist.
For example, Olivia once pointed out that she had somewhat masculine facial features, but used a word that is perceived in the trans community as a slur.
She was also slammed on Twitter for comparing her career change from acting to directing to "coming out of the closet."
In an interview with the Vulture, Wilde revealed that after her first marriage ended, she had considered "a soft kind of lesbian relationship." Onlookers also criticized one of her 2010 photoshoots and said Olivia "blackfished."
As Harry Styles fans already know, the singer-turned-actor embraces people of all backgrounds and orientations and has been vocal about his love for the LGBTQ+ community.
Wilde has also supported Ali G's speech at the 2016 Oscars, which was widely regarded as hate speech toward Asians, by tweeting, "For the record, Ali G is a perfect gentleman. The whole thing was a hilarious and welcome surprise. Haters, lighten up."
Ultimately, the question, fans suggest, is why Harry would seemingly abandon his morals for an actress whose problematic history of quotes suggests she's not an ally at all.
Will Olivia Wilde And Harry Styles Stay Together?
If Olivia and Harry truly are in a relationship, not a PR stunt, fans are wondering whether they'll go the distance.
Their age difference is often cited as a worrisome factor in their romance, but beyond that, Harry's fanbase is concerned that Wilde may sway their favorite singer's loyalties.
Is it possible that hanging out with Olivia could change Harry? That seems to be his fans' ultimate fear.
Of course, it's entirely possible that, if Olivia and Harry really are serious, he may be changing her for the better. After all, anyone can learn and become an ally to marginalized populations.
Maybe what Olivia truly needs is the influence of someone like Harry, and less judgment from his fans as she learns to navigate his world.
