Jennifer Aniston, the beloved star of Apple TV+'s 'The Morning Show,' finds herself at the center of a social media storm after revealing her decision to decline to work with an intimacy coordinator for a steamy scene in the series.
The controversy has ignited a debate about industry practices, with supporters defending Aniston's right to make choices about her experiences while critics accuse her of being out of touch, as per The Independent.
Jennifer Aniston's Coordinator Controversy Ignites Backlash
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 19: Jennifer Aniston attends 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 19, 2020 in Los Angeles, California.
In a recent interview with Variety, Aniston, 54, explained her decision, emphasizing the protective atmosphere provided by director Mimi Leder.
"Having Mimi there, you're protected. I never felt uncomfortable. Jon [Hamm] was such a gentleman, always - I mean every move, every cut, 'You OK?' It was also very choreographed. That's the beauty of Mimi and our gorgeous editor, the music and lighting."
The scene in question unfolded in an October episode where Aniston's character, Alex Levy, interviewed tech titan Paul Marks, played by Jon Hamm. The tension between the characters built up over several episodes before culminating in a provocative encounter after the interview. Aniston disclosed that when offered an intimacy coordinator, she declined, stating, "We're seasoned - we can figure this one out. And we had Mimi there."
Director Mimi Leder later assured Variety that the cast and crew worked to ensure the tastefulness and story-driven nature of the scene. However, as the storyline progresses, Paul's true intentions are revealed, causing further drama and leading to accusations and blackmail within the plot.
The controversy didn't end on-screen. Aniston's comments about rejecting an intimacy coordinator drew swift backlash on social media, with some users labeling her remarks as "cringe" and accusing her of "living in the past."
Critics argued that Aniston's refusal perpetuates outdated attitudes and hinders progress in an industry that has increasingly adopted intimacy coordinators to ensure a safe and respectful working environment during intimate scenes, according to US Magazine.
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Intimacy Coordinators in Entertainment
While some Twitter users expressed disappointment, stating, "Probably one of the celebs with the most public goodwill, and she's just ruining it," others defended Aniston's right to choose, with one supporter noting, "People seem to be offended because the actress involved in a very intimate sex scene preferred not to have one or more strangers in the room. That's all she's saying about HER experience."
The controversy adds a new layer to the ongoing conversation about the role of intimacy coordinators in the film and TV industry. Aniston's case has become emblematic of the larger shift towards ensuring a comfortable and consensual environment during intimate scenes, as reflected in the rising popularity of intimacy coordinators in recent years.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact Jennifer Aniston's public image and whether it will have repercussions for the success of "The Morning Show," which has already been renewed for a fourth season on Apple TV+, Daily Mail reported.
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