Jennifer Lawrence’s recent comments about her experience with sex scenes in her latest film have ignited discussions about the role of intimacy coordinators.
During her appearance on the Las Culturistas podcast to discuss her new movie, “Die My Love,” Lawrence mentioned that she didn’t require an intimacy coordinator because her co-star Robert Pattinson wasn’t “pervy.”
In the film directed by Lynne Ramsay, Lawrence portrays a woman suffering from postpartum psychosis, with Pattinson playing her ineffective husband. The storyline naturally includes elements of sex and nudity.
An intimacy coordinator is typically present to ensure that actors feel safe and comfortable during such scenes. These coordinators work to make sure actors understand the direction and maintain a professional environment, as shared by a Redditor who specializes in this field.
However, Lawrence felt an intimacy coordinator wasn’t necessary in her case.
“We did not have [an intimacy coordinator], or maybe we did but we didn’t really… I felt really safe with Rob,” Lawrence mentioned on the podcast. “He is not pervy and very in love with [partner] Suki Waterhouse. We mostly were just talking about our kids and relationships.”
Lawrence added that there wasn’t any awkwardness concerning potential misunderstandings.
She explained that if there had been any discomfort, she would have considered an intimacy coordinator, acknowledging that some male actors might take offense if their co-stars are not interested in them romantically.
Her statements have stirred reactions on social media, with some arguing that her reasoning misrepresents the true purpose of intimacy coordinators on set.
On X, a user commented: “actors stop completely misrepresenting the point of intimacy coordinators challenge failed yet again.”
Another user added: “again… that is not the point of intimacy coordinators. it’s so that every person on set (including behind the camera) feels safe and protected. seasoned (and new) actors need to stop acting like it’s a badge of honor to not have an intimacy coordinator.”
One more noted: “girl who thinks intimacy coordinators exist just in case your costar is in love with you.”
In a similar vein, Julia Roberts sparked a conversation when she disclosed that she opted out of using an intimacy coordinator for a kiss scene with Andrew Garfield in “After The Hunt.”
Following her remarks, TikTok users critiqued Roberts’ decision as dismissive of safety protocols, suggesting she did so simply because she felt like it.