Debra Messing, known for her role in the sitcom Will & Grace, recently disclosed a distressing encounter from her past where she was pressured into performing a n^de scene against her wishes.
The incident dates back to 1995 during the filming of A Walk in the Clouds, where she starred alongside Keanu Reeves.
During a session at the 2017 Makers Conference, Messing recounted how the film’s director, Alfonso Arau, insisted she participate in a n^de scene, despite her initial understanding that such a scene would not be part of the production.
When she expressed her discomfort to Arau, he callously dismissed her concerns by asserting that her sole responsibility was to strip down and deliver her lines.
The situation escalated as Arau berated Messing and even went as far as demanding her departure from the set while emphasizing that she should be grateful for the opportunity.
Feeling conflicted, she sought clarification from the producers regarding the discrepancy in information about the scene.
Their response revealed that while they had promised no n^dty in the domestic release, it was intended for the international version.
Under pressure from her agents, who presented her with a stark ultimatum of complying with the scene or facing termination, Messing reluctantly acquiesced.
However, the humiliation did not end there.
In the actual scene, Arau instructed her co-star, Keanu Reeves, to casually uncover her body and then discard the sheet as if it were insignificant, leaving Messing feeling degraded and powerless.
Reflecting on the ordeal years later, Messing revealed the lasting impact of Arau’s insensitive comments about her appearance.
She recalled an incident where Arau called for a plastic surgeon upon noticing her nose, deeming it unsuitable for his film.
This demeaning critique left her feeling reduced to a mere physical attribute, overshadowing her hard-earned accomplishments in the industry.
Despite enduring a series of indignities, including having the filmed n^de scene ultimately omitted from the final cut, Messing persevered and continued to thrive in her career.
Her resilience led her to star in multiple successful projects, notably the revival of Will & Grace, showcasing her unwavering determination and self-assurance.
Following her revelation, Messing expressed a sense of liberation in sharing her past struggles, emphasizing her journey towards self-acceptance and embracing her individuality.
Concluding her narrative with a resolute affirmation of her self-worth, she declared, “I have a strong nose, I have small bre-sts.
I’m a unique original.”
Alfonso Arau’s representative refuted Messing’s claims, asserting that the allegations were baseless and inaccurate, denying any derogatory remarks made towards her and clarifying that the controversial scene was eliminated due to objections from a Fox executive.
