Harry Styles has broken his silence on a viral video which appeared to show him ‘spitting’ on co-star Chris Pine, as he returned to his world tour in New York.
In footage film by fans during the former One Direction star’s concert at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, Harry jokes he “went to Venice to spit on Chris Pine.” The bizarre rumour begain circulating on Monday when Harry attended the Venice Film Festival for the premiere of Olivia Wilde’s psychological thriller Don’t Worry Darling, in which he stars alongside Chris and Florence Pugh.
In the video which caused uproar on social media, Harry was seen taking his seat at the screening and making a spitting motion towards Chris, as a spitting sound can also be heard. Star Trek actor Chris then freezes in apparent confusion, though seemingly amused.
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The clip was widely circulated and sent fans into a frenzy as they speculated exactly what had occurred. Responding to the fiasco on Wednesday, Harry laughs as he tells fans: “I just popped very quickly to Venice to spit on Chris Pine… but fret not, we’re back.”
Harry Styles: "It's wonderful, wonderful, wonderful to be back in New York. I just popped very quickly to Venice to spit on Chris Pine." pic.twitter.com/TUGOSoQPxw
— CONSEQUENCE (@consequence)
Representatives for Chris Pine also responded to the “foolish” rumour, telling US entertainment site Variety: “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.”
Many fans were unconvinced with the denial, however, as they responded to the clip on Twitter saying: “He did though, there's video proof of it.”
Another added: “Yeah…. Dude TOTALLY spit on him, the look of incredulousness on Pine’s face says it all.”
"Publicity stunt from the beginning. This guy is desperate for press and will do anything to get it," a third said.
Don't Worry Darling is scheduled for release on 23 September.
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