Olivia Wild is responding to the backlash she received for her portrayal of journalist Kathy Scruggs in Clint Eastwood’s “Richard Jewell.”
Wilde took to Twitter and shared a series of posts explaining how she was not in charge of her character’s depiction in the film. The actress admitted that Scruggs did have a relationship with FBI agent Tom Shaw (John Hamm) in the film. However, she denied that she had a hand in how Scruggs was portrayed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=im2xrCVE6O8
The film received strong criticism for implying that the late reporter exchanged sex for a tip from the investigator assigned to the 1996 bombing in Atlanta.
“Richard Jewell” showed Scruggs pressuring Shaw to give her information. In the same conversation, Wilde’s character suggests sexual intercourse between them. Hamm’s character then tells her that the titular Jewell is suspected to be behind the bombing. It is then implied that the two slept together following the exchange.
“I cannot speak for the creative decisions made by the filmmakers, as I did not have a say in how the film was ultimately crafted, but it’s important to me that I share my personal take on the matter,” Wilde tweeted in response to the criticism.
She then added, “One of the things I love about directing is the ability to control the voice and message of the film. As an actor, it’s more complicated, and I want to share my perspective on my role in the film “Richard Jewell.”
The film is based on the widely read article from Marie Brenner published in Vanity Fair. Eastwood’s film hits US theaters today.
