Zac Efron explains why he wore sunglasses during interview as fans share concerns about him
Efron said he felt 'weird' wearing the sunglasses as he discussed his new film
Zac Efron has explained why he decided to wear sunglasses in an indoor TV interview as fans expressed concerns about him.
The actor appeared on the Today show this week alongside his co-stars from The Iron Claw; Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson and Stanley Simons.
Together the four men play the Von Erich brothers, who made history in the 70s and 80s as they took on the competitive world of professional wrestling.
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After showing a clip from the movie, Today host Melvin began his interview with the four men as they sat together on a sofa.
Efron, who was sat next to the host, immediately stood out as he was wearing dark sunglasses in the well-lit, indoor studio.
Viewers were quick to question the look, with many taking to social media to express concern over why Efron had decided to wear the shades.
"Omg Zac wearing shades inside is not normal," one person commented, adding: "He’s not well. He’s having eye problems for sure.”
Another wrote: "Zac Efron wearing these sunglasses indoors isn’t gonna dispel any of the rumors or worry going on about him."
Knowing viewers would hone in on the sight, the Today show host quickly addressed Zac's fashion choice as he introduced the stars.
He joked that while Efron was a 'legitimate, bonafide, Hollywood superstar', that wasn't the reason he was wearing the dark accessories.
Efron obliged in offering up an explanation, insisting he had a good reason for covering his eyes.
"No, I’m sorry, man,” he began, adding: "I feel weird being in shades.”
The actor went on to explain that it was a health issue which had prompted him to wear the sunglasses, saying: "I just have a bit of an eye infection. But I really wanted to be here.
"It’s such a good movie, and I want to come see you guys and tell everyone about it.”
The concern surrounding Efron's decision to wear sunglasses comes after speculation began last year about his changing appearance.
Viewers noticed the High School Musical star's face had appeared to change over time, but Efron explained that the change had come about after he fell over and broke his jaw in November 2013.
The injury meant his face and jaw muscles had to work particularly hard.
"The masseters (the muscles used for chewing) just grew," he said. "They just got really, really big."
After offering up his explanation for the sunglasses, Efron went on to discuss The Iron Claw, for which he went through 'intense' preparation.
With the movie set to be released on 22 December, Efron said the work had 'paid off'.
Emily Brown