Anora’s Mikey Madison defended himself after facing backlash over comments from the intimacy coordinator

Anora’s Mikey Madison defended himself after facing backlash over comments from the intimacy coordinator

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Anora Star Mikey Madison has sparked an online debate for her comments about not using an intimacy coordinator in the film’s production.

Director Sean Baker’s film is nominated for an Oscar after being nominated for five Golden Globes earlier this month.

Leading up to awards season diversity have released their latest “Actors on Actors” series, in which two major stars interview each other about their films and their approach to acting.

For her video, Madison sat down with Baywatch legend Pamela Anderson, who is also nominated for awards for her role in The Last Showgirl.

Playing a pole dancer and sex worker in “Anora,” Madison admits, “I went to this stripper boot camp where they taught me how to do lap dances and how to twerk.”

Anderson then asked Madison if she and the rest of the cast worked with an intimacy coordinator when filming sex scenes, adding that it was “the big thing these days.”

Madison said she declined the offer, explaining: “The filmmakers offered me an intimacy coordinator if I wanted. (But) Mark Eydelshteyn, who plays Ivan, and I decided it would be best to just keep it small.

“My character is a sex worker and I had seen Sean’s films and know his commitment to authenticity. I was ready for it. As an actress, I treated it as a career.”

Although Madison spoke positively about her experience, many felt her comments about the intimacy coordinators struck the wrong tone.

One person said, “Can we stop acting like intimacy coordinators make us a worse actor?” Why was everyone suddenly bragging about how they didn’t “need” one, even though it was somehow related to their talent or dedication? Intimacy coordinators are urgently needed to stop this madness.”

A second viewer remarked: “Not taking advantage of this extra security is not cool, it’s regressive. “I’m actually surprised there isn’t a mandatory intimacy coordinator clause in all film insurance policies.”

A third person added: “I feel an intimacy coordinator should be required on set rather than leaving their involvement to the director/actor/actress.”

Mark Eydelshteyn (left) and Mikey Madison in a scene from “Anora”

Mark Eydelshteyn (left) and Mikey Madison in a scene from “Anora” (Universal)

However, others defended her, pointing out that Madison said it was her decision not to have to coordinate on set.

A defense attorney wrote, “Why do people act like Mikey is disrespectful when explaining to Pamela Anderson her reasons for not having an intimacy coordinator?” She’s literally the one who asked her the question. Would you have preferred if she had just lied?”

A second added: “It’s ironic how Mikey Madison takes responsibility for her body and her consent and makes the best decision for HER and her co-star (I’m sure they’ve talked about it) and there are people who telling her HOW SHE should do things and forcing HER opinion on her for her approval/ownership.”

Another person said: “‘She said it was a very positive experience, how is the discourse going?’ It’s already solved. She is safe. Unharmed. No one was hurt and it doesn’t affect anyone else. Besides, she only speaks about herself and not for others.”

Mikey Madison in Anora

Mikey Madison in Anora (AP)

There has been a debate in Hollywood over intimacy coordinators for several years, with stars such as Ewan McGregor and Emma Thompson describing them as “absolutely essential”, while Michael Douglas and Jennifer Aniston have expressed doubts.

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