Home » Entertainment » Penn Badgley Clarifies Backlash on Refusing Sex Scenes as Exaggerated, and Expresses Doubts Regarding Netflix’s Splitting of ‘You’ into Two Segments.

Penn Badgley Clarifies Backlash on Refusing Sex Scenes as Exaggerated, and Expresses Doubts Regarding Netflix’s Splitting of ‘You’ into Two Segments.

Penn Badgley has been making headlines for his recent comments regarding the controversial Netflix show ‘You.’ The actor recently spoke out about the backlash he received after publicly rejecting sex scenes with his co-star, which he believes was “blown out of proportion.” In addition, Badgley is questioning the decision to split the second season of ‘You’ into two parts, leaving fans wondering when they’ll be able to see the next installment. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Badgley’s thoughts on these topics and what they could mean for the future of the hit series.


Penn Badgley, the star of popular Netflix series “You”, recently made headlines when he revealed in an interview with Variety that he now refuses to act in sex scenes. Badgley’s statement sparked a debate on social media, with some people criticizing him for equating sex scenes with real sex while his supporters stood by his decision.

In a new interview with GQ magazine, Badgley addressed the backlash over his rejection of sex scenes and said that it was blown out of proportion. He clarified that what he was speaking about was not the final product but rather the culture inherent in the production of all movies, particularly those scenes. He acknowledged Hollywood’s history of flagrant exploitation and abuse and said that he made the decision to set a boundary with “You” showrunner Sera Gamble, which she respected and supported.

While “You” featured a number of sex scenes in its first three seasons, Badgley revealed that his refusal to do them in Season 4 did not alter the trajectory of the show at all. He added that Joe, his character, was naturally ready to not be in that position anymore.

Badgley also spoke to GQ about Netflix’s decision to split “You” Season 4 into two parts, an approach that was not new to the streaming service. While Badgley saw the logic in releasing things in installments, he did acknowledge that it was a diversion for the viewers who were used to binge-watching the show and suggested that it did not all come home until the audience finally saw the cage.

Badgley’s decision not to act in sex scenes has its roots in his personal values and beliefs. He emphasized in the Variety interview that it was important in his real life not to have them, citing his fidelity in his relationship as a reason. He also revealed that sex scenes were one of the reasons he initially wanted to turn down the role in “You”, although he did not tell anyone about it at the time.

The debate sparked by Badgley’s comments highlights the importance of understanding and respecting the boundaries of actors, particularly when it comes to intimate scenes. The rise of intimacy coordinators in Hollywood productions is a reflection of this growing awareness and sensitivity to the needs and comfort levels of actors. Intimacy coordinators work with actors, directors, and producers to ensure that the actors’ boundaries are respected and that the scenes are performed safely and without coercion.

Badgley’s decision also raises questions about the role of sex scenes in movies and TV shows, particularly in the era of MeToo and Time’s Up. While sex scenes can be powerful tools for storytelling and character development, they can also be exploitative and unnecessary. As the entertainment industry evolves and becomes more inclusive and sensitive, it is likely that the role and depiction of sex scenes will evolve with it.

In conclusion, Penn Badgley’s decision not to act in sex scenes has sparked an important conversation about boundaries, respect, and representation in the entertainment industry. While his decision may be controversial to some, it is a personal one that reflects his values and beliefs. It also highlights the importance of understanding and respecting the boundaries of actors in intimate scenes and the role of intimacy coordinators in ensuring their safety and comfort.


In conclusion, Penn Badgley has made a strong statement regarding the recent controversies surrounding his hit Netflix series, ‘You.’ While discussing his decision to reject sex scenes in the show, he dismissed the negative feedback as ‘blown out of proportion.’ He also raised questions about the network’s decision to split the show into two parts and suggested that it may have been driven by commercial gains rather than creative reasons. As an actor who prides himself on taking on socially responsible roles, Badgley has once again raised pertinent points about the entertainment industry’s dynamics. As fans prepare for the third season of ‘You,’ we can only hope that it lives up to their expectations, and that the show continues to address important issues in an honest and respectful manner.

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