Hollywood has evolved in more ways than one, but every revolution comes with its fair share of division, and Tinseltown is not immune to any. While actors have been outspoken about showbiz’s treacherous ways, the industry’s positives have also followed the spotlight. However, certain contemporary concepts still find the entertainment capital in a massive bind, like the need for an intimacy coordinator on set. Mikey Madison’s latest declaration of forgoing one in Anora was recently met with quite a backlash. 

Though fans feel a professional should be mandated instead of optional, an adult professional consultant recently addressed the topic, and here is what she said.

In a recent interview with Variety, an adult work consultant, Andrea Werhun attached to the project, addressed Mikey Madison’s bold decision to do without one in Anora, which recently followed an online storm. “I don’t think she should be shamed,” reflected Liroff, urging people to respect the actor’s autonomy. The professional reasoned Madison’s non-requirement, citing her comfort and trust in working with Sean Baker and Samantha Quan alongside the production team.

While Wehrun understands Madison’s perspective, she believes coordinators should be “standardized in any film that involves any type of intimacy,” regardless. Speaking of whether the presence of one would have benefitted the film, Wehrun sees the potential. Meanwhile, she believes Baker may have a “different opinion on that.” However, Wehrun was not the only one who weighed on the incident.

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Considering the online clash that followed Mikey Madison’s declarations, intimacy coordinators also spoke about the debacle since a consultant was hired without support.

In an enlightening conversation with Variety, on-set intimacy coordination specialist, Marci Liroff reasoned with Mikey Madison’s decision in Anora, citing her “autonomy.” However, her focus was on the rest of the team since she believes the presence should not only apply to the “lead actors.” Liroff stresses an actor might feel the non-requirement and opt out of support, but whether they realize a professional’s need on set to back up the others is a subject up for debate. Liroff feels hiring an adult professional consultant but not an intimacy coordinator is "talking to someone who wrote a book about stunts and then not hiring a stunt coordinator."

Liroff clarified she respects Sean Baker abundantly but recognizes his lack of understanding of “power dynamics” on set. Additionally, Laura Kiele DeLeon emphasized the story is being heard from the upper ranks of the pyramid which “can’t speak for how every extra felt on the film.” According to Liroff, the emotional safety net should be paved for everyone and not just the leads. Although Madison’s choice is widely accepted, all the experts are the same about prioritizing the counterpoints as well.

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What do you think of the expert panel on Mikey Madison's decision to do it without an intimacy coordinator in Anora? Let us know in the comments below!