Actress Gemma Arterton alleges director sought to coerce her into performing an explicit scene.
In an interaction with the British publication the Radio Times, published on Tuesday, Arterton revealed that during filming, an unnamed director urged her and her co-star to shoot an explicit scene on a mattress.
"I replied, 'No, this scene was meant for us to be out of sight, so only the sounds are heard.' I would never have taken the role if it involved filming," Arterton shared with the Radio Times.
She conveyed that the director tried to persuade her to film the scene, but she "vehemently" declined participation.
Arterton suggested that if she were younger at the time, she might have felt more anxious about potential termination for refusing to film it.
"I only felt secure saying that because I was older," she commented.
"When I first began acting, nudity was practically a prerequisite – it was simply expected. I, being younger, would often play sultry characters, like the girlfriend. However, as I've grown older, that's evolved due to my increased success and the choice of roles I can take," she explained.
Arterton commended the role of intimacy coordinators in film and television since the #MeToo movement, telling the publication that "the scene has drastically changed."
"Anything you're not comfortable with is off the table. I've heard other actors long for the days when there was no intimacy coordinator, but I wholeheartedly believe it's an improvement," she opined.
Arterton gained popularity after her role in the 2007 British comedy "St Trinian's," before starring in the 2008 James Bond film "Quantum of Solace" as MI6 agent Strawberry Fields.
Currently, Arterton is featured in the British drama series "Funny Woman," which follows a beauty queen's journey from the seaside town of Blackpool to becoming a comedian in 1960s England.
In the world of entertainment, Arterton's decision to stand up against explicit filming has garnered praise from many celebrities, supporting the growing movement against exploitation.
After facing such challenges early in her career, Arterton is now selective about her roles, choosing projects that align with her values and promote positive representation in the entertainment industry.
