Actress Mikey Madison sparks outrage for not using an intimacy coordinator in racy stripper film Anora

Mikey Madison has been criticized online for choosing not to use an intimacy coordinator in Sean Baker’s racy stripper drama Anora.

The 25-year-old – who is currently receiving Oscar buzz for her role as a Russian-American sex worker in the film – sparked outrage after taking part in Variety’s actors on actors especially with Pamela Anderson.

During the sit-down chat, Madison explained to Anderson why she personally chose not to use an intimacy coordinator for her many sex scenes in the film.

“We didn’t do that for our film, it was a choice I made,” she told Anderson.

Madison said the filmmakers offered her the chance to take one on board, but she ultimately decided against it to keep things simpler on set.

“Mark Eidelstein, who plays Ivan in the film, we decided it would be best to keep it small, with us, and then with Sean Baker, the director, and Sammy Quan, his production partner and his wife,” explained them out.

“And so I think we were really able to streamline it and film it super fast,” she continued.

‘It was a very positive experience for me. My character’s sex worker, and therefore me, had seen Sean’s films, and I know his commitment to authenticity.”

The 25-year-old is currently getting Oscar buzz for her role as a Russian-American sex worker in the film

She continues: ‘I wanted to delve into that too, so I was ready. It takes a lot out of her body and her skin, which is why I think she wears her nudity as a costume.

“She presents herself in this hyper-sexualized way because it’s the way she makes a living and it’s exactly what she has to do, and so I think as an actress I also approached it in a way that it was a job, so I was very comfortable.’

Despite Madison feeling comfortable and confident in her choice to ditch an intimacy coordinator, many progressive filmgoers on social media were outraged by the move.

‘No intimacy coordinator on the set of a movie about a prostitute??? Good Lord,” someone commented.

“I love you Mikey, but this is an insane thing to say in front of Pamela Anderson, who has suffered sexual harassment throughout her career. Like, this is not a good thing,” wrote another.

A third wrote: ‘Pam looked so uncomfortable during this whole conversation. It’s good that Mikey had a great experience, but there’s a reason intimacy coordinators are on set and IMO they shouldn’t be an option for actors.”

Another commented, “Can we stop pretending like intimacy coordinators make you a worse actor? Why did everyone suddenly start bragging about how they didn’t “need” one, as if it was somehow related to their talent or dedication? intimacy coordinators are desperately needed to stop this madness.’

Despite the backlash, some fans defended Madison.

Scenes from the film show Madison’s character pole dancing before engaging in steamy shower sex

Madison said the filmmakers offered her the chance to take one on board, but she ultimately decided against it to keep things simpler on set.

“Why do people get mad FOR her,” someone asked.

“She said it was a very positive experience, what’s the conversation like? As if it has already been solved. She’s safe. Unharmed. No one was hurt and it doesn’t affect anyone else. She also only talks about herself, and not on behalf of anyone else.’

Another wrote: ‘People need to leave Mikey alone, I mean it. If she was comfortable, what’s the problem??’

In Anora, Madison plays a topless dancer and escort who spontaneously marries an immature young man named Ivan “Vanya” Zakharov, the son of a Russian oligarch.

Filled with nudity and sex scenes, the film has been hailed as one of the raunchiest Oscar contenders yet.