Florence Pugh has opened up about the Zach Braff age gap criticism
Florence Pugh and Zach Braff were one of the most talked-about couples of the decade, parting ways in 2022 after dating for three years.
The couple was notoriously private, particularly given the controversy surrounding their relationship, with Pugh and Braff subjected to a tidal wave of backlash for their 21-year age gap.
In fact, the abuse directed at Braff, now 49, became so loud at one point that Pugh, now 28, released a statement in defence of their relationship.
"I've always found it funny, how I can be good enough for people to watch my work, and support my work, and pay for tickets, and I'm old enough to be an adult and pay taxes, but I'm not old enough to know who I should and should not have sex with," she announced in a powerful statement back in 2020. "Once again, [it's] making a young woman feel like shit for no reason. I think I did feel shit for a while about admitting that, and then I thought, 'How ridiculous is that?'"
Her statement continued: "I'm 24 and I can't choose who I love. There's a reason why I'm not with someone my age - It hasn't worked. So who are you trying to match me up with?"
A post shared by Florence Pugh (@florencepugh)
A photo posted by on
This week, Pugh opened up about defending her former relationship with Braff, explaining to Vogue that for her, it was necessary.
"I had to be public in the past because people were bullying me and bullying my partner," Pugh explained in the recent interview. "Mine and Zach's relationship was actually quite private until it was nasty, and I could see the toll that it was taking on him and us and our families. And that's when I spoke out. I think for anyone I'm with, I want to protect them.
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
She continued: "It's not nice knowing that people are saying the worst things I've ever read about someone that I love. So that was necessary. I needed to talk about it. I think any relationship in this limelight is going to be stressed."
Florence Pugh and Zach Braff have remained on good terms, even working together on A Good Person in 2023.
Jenny Proudfoot is an award-winning journalist, specialising in lifestyle, culture, entertainment, international development and politics. She has worked at Marie Claire UK for seven years, rising from intern to Features Editor and is now the most published Marie Claire writer of all time. She was made a 30 under 30 award-winner last year and named a rising star in journalism by the Professional Publishers Association.
-
James Middleton reveals George, Charlotte and Louis love playing with their new baby cousin
How lovely
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Eugenie often 'rings' sister Beatrice for help with children's 'meltdowns'
She's got a great support system
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
I’m about to fly long-haul and this celebrity-approved travel throw is in the Amazon Prime Day sale
Hailey Bieber, Chrissy Teigen, the Kardashians *and* Madison Beer all swear by this cosy Barefoot Dreams throw.
By Mischa Anouk Smith