Stars Fight Back: Intimacy Coordinators Under Fire

A new wave of A-list actors, including Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow, are vocally opposing the mandatory use of intimacy coordinators, advocating for a return to more authentic on-screen passion. These stars contend that the presence of coordinators can stifle artistic freedom and create an overly clinical atmosphere during intimate scenes, a sentiment shared by Jennifer Lawrence.

Conversely, intimacy coordinators and their supporters, like director Yehuda Duenyas and actresses Olivia Colman and Michaela Coel, defend the role's necessity. They assert that coordinators provide crucial safety, consent, and professional boundaries, enabling better storytelling and protecting actors, much like stunt coordinators ensure safety during dangerous scenes.

The debate highlights a cultural shift, with younger generations expecting clear consent protocols while older actors recall a time of less structured, albeit sometimes problematic, intimacy on set. Experts like Duenyas stress that skilled coordination, when implemented correctly, elevates artistry without compromising authenticity, advocating for improved practices rather than abandonment of the role.