A resurfaced interview with Miles Teller explains why the actor took a slight step back from doing any kind of extended interview.
“The reason why I have not done profiles is because I said, ‘Wow, if I’m not doing this interview on camera, this person can misquote things or put things out of order or say things that didn’t happen,’” Teller told IndieWire in a May 2026 interview when responding to a bout of “bad press” he had during the early days of his career.
The specific instance came in the form of a “mishandled” (Teller’s words) Esquire interview published in 2015.
“It felt like such a violation of what actually transpired,” Teller recalled. “I told my team, ‘Guys, I don’t think I’m doing this again, because I’m reading this and this doesn’t sound like me to me. This is not life, so why would I ever want to be a part of something where they can just put that in?’”
The article was headlined Miles Teller Is Young, Talented, and Doesn’t Give a Rat’s Ass What You Think. The profile’s subhed, claimed that Teller was “on a quest for greatness” and acquired “a bit of d***ishness” throughout the process.
The term d***, when it referred to Teller, was used multiple times throughout the article.
Keep scrolling for a full breakdown of the drama:
What Did ‘Esquire’ Say About Miles Teller in the 2015 Interview?
The story opened with the journalist recalling sitting across from Teller and “trying to figure out if he’s a d***.” Elsewhere in the interview, it’s conceded that “he is kind of a d***.”
Did Miles Teller React to His 2015 ‘Esquire’ Interview?
At the time, Teller took to X with a response.
“Couldn’t be more wrong,” he wrote, tagging the publication. “I don’t think there’s anything cool or entertaining about being a d*** or an a**hole. Very misrepresenting.”
What Else Did Miles Teller Say About His 2015 ‘Esquire’ Interview?
Teller told IndieWire in May 2026 that it was “unfortunate” that “being a good person” doesn’t sell.
“People want to click on the negativity,” he added. “If you go to bed and put your head on your pillow and how you treat people truly, that’s what matters.”
When it comes to how it impacted his career? Based on his performances through the years, not too much.
“The actors, the directors, the crew, the producers, you can’t hide who you are when you’re on set,” Teller added.
Us Weekly has reached out to Esquire for comment.
