Florence Pugh Details “Hurt” of Zach Braff Relationship Criticism

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Florence Pugh isn’t afraid to fight for those she loves.

Florence Pugh explained that the ongoing public discussion about her three-year relationship with Zach Braff, which ended in 2022, has had a significant and lasting effect on her.

Florence recently shared on the Louis Theroux podcast that, when it comes to relationships, how much you talk about them doesn’t matter. People are more interested in a dramatic narrative – almost like they’re watching a reality show. She explained that even expressing love or happiness doesn’t matter if the public doesn’t approve of your partner or how they fit into the image others have of you, and that realization was painful for her.

Florence felt compelled to speak out and support her relationship after people reacted negatively to the 21-year age difference between her and her partner, who is known for his role on the show Scrubs.

Florence explained that she defended her choices, supported a friend, and asserted her right to live life on her own terms. She said speaking up actually shifted some perspectives, with several public figures contacting her to express their agreement and thank her for sharing her viewpoint.

When asked if she’ll share future relationships with the public as openly as she did with Zach, she stated she won’t be doing that anymore.

The online comments became so negative that Florence had to respond directly in a 2020 Instagram video, addressing the hurtful things people were saying about her relationship.

She explained to Louis that watching him receive negative attention became incredibly difficult. She emphasized that the criticism wasn’t directed at her, but solely at him. She felt the need to address the situation and created a video to check in with everyone. Thankfully, the video received a lot of positive support, which she appreciated. She believes it’s important for people online to remember that they’re dealing with real people and real feelings.

Since her split from Zach in 2022, Florence has become more private about her personal life.

She explained on the podcast that people will likely be curious and want details. However, she pointed out that sharing too much opens you up to criticism, because people can’t comment on what they don’t know.

She explained that she’ll always support and defend the people she cares about. She’ll also address any wrongdoing and hold them accountable if necessary, because she believes everyone deserves a chance to live their life without constant criticism or negativity.

To prevent future issues in her relationship caused by outside opinions, Florence should be mindful of what she shares publicly, particularly on social media.

Florence emphasized the importance of recognizing that you’re choosing to share your life with others. She also suggested being mindful of how people speak to or about you and your experiences, and questioning whether that interaction is truly needed.

Honestly, it just breaks my heart when people are awful about her sharing something personal. Like, she opens up, and then gets attacked? It’s just… unfair. She’s said, and I totally get it, that if the negativity gets too much, she’ll just stop talking about that part of her life. And honestly, I wouldn’t blame her. It’s her life, and she shouldn’t have to deal with that kind of hate just for being real.

For more stars who have talked about their age gap relationships, keep reading…

The actresses are used to people commenting on their 32-year age difference. Sarah addressed the criticism in a 2018 interview with Modern Luxury, saying she doesn’t concern herself with what others think. “If anyone wants to judge me for loving a wonderful person, that’s their issue, not mine,” she explained. “I’m happy.”

Heidi Klum doesn’t pay attention to criticism about the 16-year age difference between her and her husband, Tokio Hotel guitarist Tom Kaulitz. In a 2018 interview with InStyle, she explained that people often question their relationship because of their ages, but she doesn’t dwell on it. She made it clear she plans to continue living life as she chooses. According to the supermodel, focusing on what others think is pointless and will only cause stress – and wrinkles!

Priyanka Chopra has pointed out what she sees as a double standard. She observed that people criticize the age gap between her and her husband, but wouldn’t react the same way if the roles were reversed. In an interview with InStyle, she explained, “People had a lot to say about that, and still do. It’s amazing how when the man is older, no one seems to mind—in fact, they often approve.”

The director of Fifty Shades of Grey says the 23-year age difference between her and the actor who will play Kraven the Hunter isn’t something they think about in their daily lives.

“It really doesn’t come up,” she explained in a 2024 interview with The Guardian. “It’s only a topic when people ask about it, or from the perspective of those who don’t know us. I guess we seem unusual to some, but after 14 years together, you’d think it wouldn’t matter anymore.”

She even noted that her current relationship has lasted longer than her marriage to her ex-husband, Jay Jopling, who was only about four years her senior.

“When you look at it that way,” she added, “the age gap doesn’t seem significant at all.”

Despite sharing a birthday on September 25th, the couple experiences typical relationship challenges. The actress, who stars in Chicago, revealed in a 2021 interview with WSJ. Magazine that her husband is 25 years her senior. She emphasized that all relationships have their difficult moments, but love and respect remain constant for them.

Dennis, known for his role in The Parent Trap, believes that only he and his partner should be concerned with their relationship. He emphasizes that it’s a matter for just the two of them.

Despite the attention their age difference receives – Laura is 39 years his junior – Dennis says they don’t pay it any mind.

In a 2021 interview with Today, he explained, “We honestly don’t even notice it.” He added that they have an incredibly strong connection, saying, “I’ve never been closer to anyone in my life. We’re so happy together. Love happens when you least expect it, and you can’t control who you fall in love with. We couldn’t be happier.”

The yoga instructor recently shared that she used to be critical of couples with large age differences, before she began dating an actor 26 years older than herself.

On her 2022 podcast, Witches Anonymous, she explained that she’d previously assume older men in such relationships were seeking someone with no independent thoughts, and that younger partners were only interested in money. She admitted to thinking, ‘This older man wants some young bimbo with no opinions whatsoever… and that younger woman is obviously a gold digger.’

However, she now realizes she was wrong.

She said that being in this relationship herself has changed her perspective, making her question why she used to be so judgmental. She now understands that love can look different for everyone, and that doesn’t make it any less real or valid.

Get ready for this: actor Stanley Tucci, known for The Devil Wears Prada, recently revealed he almost broke up with his wife early in their relationship. He explained on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs in 2023 that, being 21 years older, he worried about feeling old for the rest of his life. However, he quickly realized she was someone truly exceptional.

Sienna Miller and Oli Green are aware some people might find their relationship confusing. Oli explained to Vogue that their 15-year age difference could make it hard for others to understand, but insisted there’s been nothing but love and happiness between them. Sienna added that, quite simply, they don’t feel anyone needs to understand their connection. She believes matters of the heart can’t be forced or explained, and she personally has never been able to make sense of them herself.

Jeff Goldblum shared a funny story about a mix-up with his wife, Emilie, who is 30 years younger than him. He was on The Hoda Show and explained that he asked her which Beatle he’d be. She playfully responded with ‘Rex Harrison,’ the star of My Fair Lady – a movie they’d recently seen. Jeff quickly pointed out her mistake, and she soon realized she actually meant George Harrison. He joked that this kind of generational difference is typical for them, but overall, their life together is going great.

She also doesn’t feel pressured to defend the 20-year age difference between herself and her partner.

In a 2013 interview with Glamour, she explained that she finds his experience and character very appealing. She emphasized that their connection goes beyond age, stating that while careers fluctuate, having a supportive partner who believes in you is what truly matters.

Katharine McPhee seems unbothered by criticism of the 35-year age difference between her and her husband. Speaking on the Dr. Berlin’s Informed Pregnancy Podcast in 2023, she acknowledged initial judgment but explained, “Things aren’t always what they seem.” Ultimately, she said, she’s simply focused on being happy in their relationship and loves their unique love story.

Kristin Cavallari addressed the criticism she received for dating someone 13 years younger, Mark Estes. On her podcast, Let’s Be Honest, she explained that she never actively sought out a relationship with a 24-year-old, and even used to think 30-year-olds were too young for her. While she acknowledged how the age difference might appear to others, she maintained that Mark wasn’t like most 24-year-olds and that maturity isn’t solely determined by age. She believes life experiences and upbringing play a much larger role. However, she later revealed that she and Mark eventually broke up.

As someone who’s seen a lot of relationships and life stages, I truly believe young people need the freedom to grow and discover themselves. I was reflecting recently on my own twenties – those years between 24 and now feel like a lifetime! They’re so formative, and crucial for figuring out who you are. It’s something my partner really needs to experience. While our relationship was the best I’ve ever had, I’m hopeful that down the road, he’ll see this split was actually for the best, and honestly, I think he’ll eventually thank me for it. It’s about allowing him to live his life and find his own path.

When George Clooney first developed feelings for Amal, he wasn’t sure if she felt the same way. He admitted on The Howard Stern Show that he was hesitant to pursue things too quickly, worried she might see him as too old—he’s 17 years her senior. Fortunately, Amal reciprocated his feelings, and the couple married in 2014.

The former Bachelor star doesn’t believe age defines a relationship, even though he’s 18 years older than his wife. He explained on his The Viall Files podcast in March 2025 that physical attraction is important when there’s a significant age difference.

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2025-11-11 17:18