Gwyneth Paltrow Responds to Criticism Over Her Comments About Intimacy Coordinators

Earlier this year, Gwyneth Paltrow faced backlash for comments regarding the use of intimacy coordinators on the set of her upcoming sports drama, Marty Supreme, featuring Timothe Chalamet. The film explores the life of legendary table tennis player Marty Reisman, and Gwyneth mentioned to Vanity Fair that it includes extensive intimate scenes with Timothe.

"Theres now something called an intimacy coordinator, which I had no idea existed," Gwyneth said, recalling a moment when a coordinator asked if she was comfortable with a scene. She added, "I was like, Girl, in my time you get naked, get in bed, and the camera rolls."

Gwyneth and Timothe reportedly chose to minimize the coordinator's involvement. "We said, 'I think we're good. You can step a little back,'" she explained. "I dont know how it is for newcomers, but if someone is directing every move, as an artist, I would feel restricted."

The remarks quickly sparked criticism online, with many emphasizing the importance of intimacy coordinators in ensuring actor safety and consent. One popular tweet, with over 100,000 likes, stated, "Pushing back against intimacy coordinators will always be strangethere are many people on set who need protection." Another said, "Feeling above those who are there to protect everyone on set is the real problem."

In a subsequent Hollywood Reporter interview, Gwyneth addressed the controversy, acknowledging the value of intimacy coordinators. She described them as "very cool" and clarified that she never intended to disparage the role. "Some quotes made it seem like I was dismissing the coordinator, which I absolutely wasnt," she said. "I was just surprisedlike, who is this person?"

She also reflected on her personal discomfort with the process at the time. "I wasnt used to that level of direction in intimate scenes. Discussing it felt more awkward than performing it," Gwyneth admitted. She emphasized that she appreciates the protections introduced by the #MeToo movement and the role of consent on set. "If I were starting out today, or if my daughter wanted to pursue this career, Im grateful this role exists to ensure consent and boundaries," she added.

Author: Ethan Caldwell