Florence Pugh Defends Intimacy Coordinators as “Essential for Actor Safety,” Contradicts Paltrow and Lawrence
Los Angeles | November 11 (TheTrendingPeople.com) — Academy Award-nominated actress Florence Pugh has spoken out in strong support of intimacy coordinators, emphasizing their role in ensuring actor safety during the filming of intimate scenes. The British actress opened up about her experiences while speaking on ‘The Louis Theroux Podcast’, joining an ongoing industry-wide debate that has divided Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Florence Pugh: “They’re Not There to Make Things Awkward”
Discussing the evolving role of intimacy coordinators — now a standard presence on most film and television sets — Florence Pugh highlighted their importance in maintaining professionalism and comfort during sensitive scenes.
“It’s not to get in the way. It’s not to confuse, it’s not to make things more complicated or make things more awkward. I’ve had good ones and bad ones,” Pugh said during the podcast, as reported by Variety.
Pugh explained that while intimacy scenes can be artistically necessary, they must also be handled with care and consent. She described intimacy coordinators as professionals who act as “safety nets,” ensuring boundaries are respected and scenes are filmed without compromising an actor’s emotional or physical well-being.
A Divided Hollywood on Intimacy Coordination
Her remarks come at a time when several high-profile actors, including Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Lawrence, have publicly questioned the need for intimacy coordinators, suggesting that trust between co-stars and directors can often suffice.
In a recent interview, Jennifer Lawrence recalled filming her upcoming film Die My Love opposite Robert Pattinson, revealing that she didn’t actively use the intimacy coordinator hired for the project.
“We did not have (an intimacy coordinator), or maybe we did but we didn’t really (use it). I felt really safe with Rob. He is not pervy,” Lawrence said, downplaying the need for supervision on set.
Similarly, Gwyneth Paltrow shared her perspective from the set of Marty Supreme, where she filmed intimate scenes with Timothée Chalamet.
“I don’t know how it is for kids who are starting out, but… if someone is like, ‘Okay, and then he’s going to put his hand here,’ I would feel, as an artist, very stifled by that,” Paltrow said, adding that she told the coordinator to “step a little back” during filming.
Both actors’ comments sparked debate online, with younger performers and industry professionals warning that such statements could undermine the progress Hollywood has made toward safer, more transparent practices on set.
Pugh’s Past Experience Without Intimacy Coordinators
Florence Pugh admitted that in her early career, she often filmed sex scenes without intimacy coordinators present — a reality she now views with caution. Although she described herself as “quite confident” and “comfortable in my skin,” Pugh recalled moments where the lack of professional oversight led to discomfort.
“There were times when someone on set said something completely inappropriate while directing a sex scene,” she shared. “That’s when you realize how necessary it is to have someone there to protect you.”
Her candid remarks echo sentiments shared by several younger actors in recent years, many of whom credit intimacy coordinators with helping create safer, more respectful filming environments.
Why Intimacy Coordinators Matter
Intimacy coordinators were formally introduced in Hollywood in the late 2010s following the #MeToo movement, which exposed widespread sexual misconduct and abuse of power within the entertainment industry. Their job involves:
- Choreographing intimate scenes to ensure comfort and clarity.
- Facilitating communication between actors, directors, and crew.
- Establishing consent boundaries before filming begins.
- Ensuring professionalism during post-production handling of explicit footage.
Since becoming standard on sets for major studios and streaming platforms like Netflix and HBO, intimacy coordinators have been credited with transforming on-screen intimacy into a more transparent and trauma-aware process.
However, critics — including some established actors — argue that excessive intervention could “limit artistic freedom” or “break chemistry” between performers.
Industry Reactions: Divided but Evolving
Hollywood’s response to the ongoing debate has been mixed. While several senior actors express skepticism, many younger artists and filmmakers insist that the practice is not only beneficial but essential.
Industry unions such as SAG-AFTRA and BAFTA have issued formal guidelines mandating the use of intimacy coordinators for all productions involving sexual content. These rules aim to protect both actors and studios from ethical and legal complications.
Supporters of the practice argue that Pugh’s perspective aligns with the industry’s long-term shift toward accountability and professionalism, particularly for younger and less experienced performers.
Florence Pugh’s Advocacy for Safer Sets
Known for her fearless performances in films like Midsommar, Little Women, and Don’t Worry Darling, Florence Pugh has often been outspoken about transparency in the film industry. Her support for intimacy coordinators reflects her commitment to fostering a work environment rooted in respect and consent.
Pugh’s comments have been widely praised online, especially among female actors and crew members who have advocated for systemic change in Hollywood’s handling of on-screen intimacy.
Many praised her for “using her platform responsibly” to highlight the importance of ethical filmmaking practices.
The Broader Conversation
As Hollywood continues to evolve in the post-#MeToo era, debates like this underscore the tension between artistic freedom and ethical filmmaking. While actors like Paltrow and Lawrence advocate trust-based collaboration, Pugh’s stance reinforces the need for structure and accountability — particularly when power dynamics on set can influence vulnerability.
The discussion is also reflective of a generational shift: newer actors and filmmakers tend to prioritize mental health, safety, and consent as integral parts of the creative process, not obstacles to it.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Florence Pugh’s defense of intimacy coordinators serves as a reminder of how far Hollywood has come — and how far it still has to go. Her balanced yet firm stance underscores a simple truth: safety and respect are not constraints on creativity but foundations for it.
While not every artist may need or want an intimacy coordinator, acknowledging their importance ensures that all performers — regardless of experience or confidence — have the protection they deserve in an industry built on trust and vulnerability.