Chris Pine has denied co-star Harry Styles spat on him as the Watermelon Sugar singer took a seat next to him at the Venice International Film Festival,
The 28-year-old, who stars in Don’t Worry Darling, has caused a stir on social media with some speculating that he approached his chair and spat in the actor’s lap in front of his girlfriend, Olivia Wilde, before the premiere began on Monday.
In a statement to PEOPLE, a representative for Pine, 42, said: "This is a ridiculous story — a complete fabrication and the result of an odd online illusion that is clearly deceiving and allows for foolish speculation."
"Just to be clear, Harry Styles did not spit on Chris Pine,” the rep continued.
"There is nothing but respect between these two men and any suggestion otherwise is a blatant attempt to create drama that simply does not exist."
In footage, shared by a number of fans, a dapper-looking Styles in a navy blue suit is seen making his way to his assigned seat while the audience – and Pine, 42, - claps his entrance.
As Styles prepares to take his seat, Pine suddenly stops clapping his co-star looks down at his leg and sticks out his tongue in faux shock.
The actor then gives a look of disbelief towards the hitmaker, who is too busy smiling at event goers to notice Pine’s reaction and stunned laughter.
Taking to Twitter, one fan wrote: "#HarryStyles appears to spit on Chris Pine i won’t sleep until i know the truth" (sic).
#HarryStyles appears to spit on Chris Pine i won't sleep until i know the truth pic.twitter.com/wLXjIHTYgU
— JZMaclin (@Mac70J) September 6, 2022
"The audacity of harry styles to SPIT on his co-star in public is actually appalling like… i’m sitting here with my mouth wide open in shock he is DISGUSTING," another commented.
However, many didn’t buy into the claims, and are convinced Styles wouldn’t do such a thing, especially when surrounded by a plethora cameras.
One user, who shared a slowed down version of the ‘incident’, insisted: "Can’t believe this is what we’ve come to but harry clearly didn’t spit on chris pine."
Another suggested: "Maybe harry says something to Chris under his breath and that is why Chris reacts? It looks like Chris says something back as well. I don’t know.
“I just find it hard to believe anyone would spit on anyone knowing they are being filmed from 19 different angles."
Harry takes his seat. #DontWorryDarling #venezia79 pic.twitter.com/by6DmYxvRS
— Ramin Setoodeh (@RaminSetoodeh) September 5, 2022
While fans speculated online, another video from Variety’s Ramin Setoodeh shows Styles taking his seat from a different angle, which lasts a few seconds longer and shows the co-stars chatting briefly. They seem to be having a relatively polite conversation.
