Russell T Davies Criticizes Gwyneth Paltrow on Intimacy Coordinators

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, October 11, 2026

Russell T Davies criticized Gwyneth Paltrow for expressing discomfort with intimacy coordinators on set, warning that opposing their presence risks harming vulnerable performers. His remarks underscore ongoing industry efforts to prioritize actor safety and consent during intimate scenes through formalized coordination roles.

Russell T Davies has expressed strong criticism of Gwyneth Paltrow’s remarks regarding intimacy coordinators on film and television sets. The writer and producer condemned Paltrow’s discomfort with the presence of an intimacy coordinator during the filming of a sex scene last year, describing her attitude as potentially harmful.

Paltrow had previously stated in an interview that she felt disturbed by the intimacy coordinator’s involvement during production and asked them to step back. She later clarified her comments, explaining that she comes from “a different time” and was unfamiliar with the role. Paltrow emphasized her support for the position going forward, particularly for younger actors, including her daughter, noting the importance of consent and protective measures during intimate scenes.

Despite the clarification, Davies argued that opposing intimacy coordinators could endanger vulnerable performers. “When powerful people say that intimacy coordinators shouldn’t exist, you’re creating a world in which you get permission for that job not to exist, and then someone powerless is going to be absolutely trapped. It’s monstrous,” he said.

Davies has long been an advocate for safe working environments on sets, particularly concerning scenes involving intimacy. He cited his experience on the groundbreaking series "Queer as Folk," where he served informally in a role akin to an intimacy coordinator. At the time, decades before the establishment of the formal position, Davies, as one of the few gay men involved in the production, was tasked with overseeing the physical logistics of sex scenes, working closely with the director and actors in rehearsals to ensure a secure and respectful process.

He expressed pride that these early efforts contributed to the adoption of modern standards that now prioritize actor safety and consent in intimate scenes. Davies’ comments highlight ongoing debates within the entertainment industry about the necessity of intimacy coordinators and the challenges in changing long-standing production practices.

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