Debra Messing, known for her role opposite Keanu Reeves in the 1995 film directed by Alfonso Arau, A Walk In The Clouds, has recently disclosed feeling uneasy about being manipulated and pressured into performing a n^de scene for the movie.
During a round table discussion with The Hollywood Reporter, the 49-year-old actress revealed that she had only recently come to terms with the severity of the situation, realizing she had been a victim of s**ual harassment.
The actress expressed how she initially dismissed the incident as part of the industry norm, stating, “Oh, that’s the business.”
However, upon reflection, she acknowledged the wrongful nature of the coercion, exclaiming, “Wait a minute, no, that’s not the business.
I was s**ually harassed.”
Messing elaborated on the circumstances surrounding the n^de scene, recounting how she had been misled into signing a n^dty waiver under the guise that nothing explicit would be shown since the film was intended for a PG-13 audience.
To her dismay, upon arrival on set, she was informed about the unexpected n^de requirements for the international distribution of the movie.
Despite attempting to mentally prepare herself for the n^de shots, Messing encountered further distress when she sought clarification from director Alfonso Arau regarding the specifics of the scene.
Allegedly, Arau responded callously, asserting that, as an actress, it was her duty to disrobe without questioning the details of the shot.
Feeling pressured and threatened with termination if she refused, Messing reluctantly proceeded with the scene, viewing it as a pivotal opportunity in her career.
Following the ordeal, Messing revealed that the only exposed part of her body in the final cut of the film was her back.
She also disclosed the director’s disparaging behavior towards her during the filming process, including derogatory comments about her physical appearance, particularly targeting her nose.
Recounting a specific instance where Arau referred to her nose as detrimental to the movie, Messing highlighted the director’s insensitivity and lack of professionalism on set.
Despite having confidence in her acting abilities and training, the actress felt diminished and belittled by the director’s remarks, which focused on her physical features rather than her performance.
Ultimately, despite the distressing experience on the set of A Walk In The Clouds, Messing went on to achieve greater success with her role in the acclaimed television series Will & Grace, which premiered in 1998.
The actress now reflects on the incident as a form of s**ual harassment, shedding light on the challenges faced by actors in navigating unethical practices within the entertainment industry.
