‘House of Dragon’ Star Olivia Cooke Criticizes Sex Scene Double Standard in Hollywood

Olivia Cooke, star of HBO's House of the Dragon, has highlighted ongoing challenges women face in Hollywood when setting boundaries during sex scenes, noting that actresses are often unfairly labeled as 'difficult' or 'a bitch' for speaking up. She emphasized the vulnerability involved in filming such scenes, particularly for younger actors who may lack the vocabulary to express discomfort, underscoring the crucial role of intimacy coordinators as advocates and safeguards on set. Cooke praised the positive impact of intimacy coordinators, contrasting it with the past when actors had no professional support during intimate scenes. However, not all actors share this enthusiasm; for example, Gwyneth Paltrow and Michael Douglas have expressed a preference for more traditional approaches, with some skepticism toward the role of intimacy coordinators. Cooke stressed that while sex scenes are vital for authentic storytelling and conveying human passion, they must be handled with care to avoid leaving actors feeling violated. Her remarks reflect a generational shift in Hollywood toward prioritizing safety and respect without compromising artistic expression.