Actress and director Olivia Wilde has opened up about the challenges and double standards she has faced in the wake of her high-profile split from comedian Jason Sudeikis. The 42-year-old discussed her experiences on the popular podcast ‘Call Her Daddy’ with host Alex Cooper, shedding light on the differing public perceptions of her dating life in contrast to that of her ex-husband.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/harry-styles-olivia-wilde-kids-061726-69c5845880574b21b58c7681466c9843.jpg)
Wilde and Sudeikis, who share two children—12-year-old Otis and 9-year-old Daisy—ended their relationship in 2020. Since then, Wilde has felt significant scrutiny regarding her parenting choices, particularly during her time dating singer Harry Styles, who is 32. She shared her feelings of hurt when critics suggested that she “forgot” about her responsibilities as a mother while pursuing a romantic relationship.
During the podcast episode, Wilde reflected on how the media’s portrayal of their lives resulted in a glaring disparity. She recalled a Thanksgiving holiday when she spent time with her children while Sudeikis was photographed enjoying a beach holiday in Costa Rica with his then-girlfriend. Despite being present for her children during the holiday, Wilde noticed the stark contrast in how the media portrayed her as compared to Sudeikis, stating, “He looks so happy, so wonderful,” in reference to the coverage of her ex-partner.
Wilde added that had she been in a similar situation on a public holiday, the narrative would have been drastically different: “If I was away from my children on a national holiday frolicking on a beach, it’d be like, literally, just burn her at the stake now. Take the kids away from her forever and burn her to the ground.” She expressed her frustration with the scrutiny she faces while also being a dedicated mother.
The actress also highlighted that this kind of judgement would often come about just because she was away from her kids during her off weeks. “It was nuts,” she remarked, recapping the severe criticism she faced while Sudeikis appeared to receive praise. This sense of unfair treatment underlies Wilde’s broader concerns around societal expectations placed on mothers, especially in the context of their private lives.
Despite the challenges that come with co-parenting, Wilde remains dedicated to raising her two children in an environment that encourages them to embrace their individuality. In discussions about her parenting style, she has spoken about the need to counteract societal norms around gender roles. She noted that when her daughter Daisy would pick up her brother’s plate after dinner, she actively encouraged her to question these dynamics instead of reinforcing traditional gender expectations.
Wilde’s commitment to empowering her children has been a priority, particularly when it comes to instilling self-worth and independence in her daughter. “I want to be the one to remind her of the strength she innately has,” said Wilde, as she continued to navigate motherhood amidst public scrutiny.
In an Instagram post earlier this year, Wilde showcased her love and dedication to her children by revealing a tattoo that she got in honour of Daisy. The tattoo features the Libra constellation, reflecting her daughter’s zodiac sign, alongside another tattoo celebrating her son’s Taurus heritage. Wilde humorously noted that she was “running out of arms” to accommodate her growing collection of meaningful ink.
As a mother dedicated to fostering a strong sense of self in her children, Wilde’s experiences illustrate the challenges faced by many women balancing public personas and private lives. Her candid discussions about the media’s double standards and societal expectations shed light on the nuanced struggles of navigating motherhood in the public eye. Wilde continues to advocate for her children’s individuality while confronting the criticisms that come her way.