The debate around the need for intimacy coordinators is still pretty heated. With the way TV and film productions have started handling scenes involving intimacy and nudity, hiring these coordinators has really helped actors- especially women- feel safer and more at ease on set. But, even with all the benefits that comes with such supervision, intimacy coordination still has its fair share of critics, and some big-name figures continue to question its necessity in cinema. The latest to weigh in on this topic is the rising star Mikey Madison.
In an interview with Pamela Anderson for Variety, Mikey Madison recently revealed that she was given the option to work with an intimacy coordinator while filming Anora
, but she decided to pass on it. Explaining why, the Better Things
actress shared that she and the team were able to “streamline”
the whole process and “shoot it super quickly”
because she completely got into character, embracing Ani’s comfort with her own body, without the interference of any coordinators. “It was a choice that I made
,” added the 25-year-old.
Mikey Madison reveals why she decided not to have an intimacy coordinator while shooting #Anora. #ActorsOnActors https://t.co/0VAXCVmN3R pic.twitter.com/Bi3Z9JQq12
— Variety (@Variety) December 17, 2024
Plus, because the scenes were meant to be funny, it made the whole experience even more of a “positive
” one for Madison. The Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
actress even told The New York Times that, since her character was so relaxed in the situation, it helped her feel at ease too. “To me it was never a thought in my head to be nervous or anything
,” Madison, who is known for doing what her heart says, added
. But not everyone agrees with her take, and Madison’s thoughts sparked quite the online uproar ever since the Variety interview dropped.
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Fans have been going back and forth in a full-blown debate across X, especially after hearing Madison’s bold take on intimacy coordination.
Mikey Madison’s thoughts on intimacy coordination sparks heated debate online
Ensuring consent, safety, and the comfort of actors during intimate scenes seems like a pretty obvious step. Yet, major Hollywood productions have only seriously considered this in the last five years, largely thanks to HBO’s groundbreaking move in response to the #MeToo movement. Many fans believe that intimacy coordinators should not be optional on set, but rather a mandatory part of the process.
people forget that an intimacy isn’t just for an actor’s safety and boundaries but also the crew and director’s too.
this decision shouldn’t be up to an actor or production. it should be up to SAG and the network/studio (aka mandatory) b/c nowadays it’s a liability issue https://t.co/b0SSk4UVGw
— Sami Says (@_SamiSays_) December 18, 2024
this is going to cause so much harm. one of the only things that was put in place to protect folks post #metoo in film was intimacy coordination. Why are we only hearing ppl turning down IC? for actresses with less power, an IC is oftentimes the only one protecting them. https://t.co/aUkcjuJRsj
— nair (@myname_nair) December 18, 2024
intimacy coordinators are essential workers in theatre, film, or any performance-based work. this is a disappointing take and a step in the wrong direction. https://t.co/DschTH4QQU
— mary (@onlittlelight) December 18, 2024
Plenty of fans, however, have backed Mikey Madison, arguing that her choice to skip the coordinator was personal and should be respected.
so ppl are mad at what mikey chose to do and are saying she shouldn’t have the right to choose… https://t.co/hMqPVVbuFv pic.twitter.com/bNckgO8osW
— mari (@gawonenergy) December 18, 2024
here we go,, you twt people here just being mad to be mad. she is sharing her own experience and feelings she is not forcing her opinion or making a ‘speech’ for everybody or sharing her experience as a ‘fact’. i need y’all leave her alone https://t.co/w5NAvjGJFI
— ♩｡ ⭒ (@d2azed) December 17, 2024
intimacy coordinators are crucial, i get it
but these wokes like to preach for the autonomy of women over their bodies all the fucking time but as soon as women starts deciding for their own suddenly they cant???? https://t.co/dmjftLUcQu
— ًjudas (@aeslayyy) December 18, 2024
Many actors feel that intimacy coordination can sometimes mess with the natural flow of a scene, making things feel stiff, forced, and overly rehearsed. For them, it can even take away from the emotional connection needed for a real, heartfelt performance. With such strong (and fair) opinions on both sides, it is really tough to say if intimacy coordinators should be made a requirement or left as a personal choice.
What do you think about this discourse? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
