Jameela Jamil reveals why she dropped out of ‘You’ audition with Netflix
Actor and campaigner had intended to audition for a role in the hit Netflix series starring Penn Badgley
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jameela Jamil has explained why she decided against auditioning for a coveted role in the hit drama series You.
The actor, know for her roles in shows including NBC’s fantasy comedy series The Good Place, initially planned on trying for a part opposite lead star Penn Badgley.
However, she has now revealed that it was the prospect of doing sex scenes that put her off the audition.
During an interview on the Podcrushed podcast, which is hosted by Badgley, Nava Kavelin and Sophie Ansari, the 37-year-old actor said: “I don’t think I’ve ever been someone who would have enjoyed objectifying myself, personally.
“But that’s also because I have so much deep, like, childhood sexual trauma stuff. So I think that was never in the cards for me.”
She added: “You know, I still wear the… like, the little skirt or the busty top, but like, occasionally. But generally, I feel quite protective of myself in that way. Like, I don’t do sex scenes.”
Speaking of her audition for You, Jamil said: “I was supposed to audition for the most recent season of your show.
“My character was supposed to be quite sexy, and I pulled out of the audition, because I am so shy about anything sexy that I can’t.
She added: “And then you f***ing came out and was like, ‘yeah, I’m not doing sex scenes anymore’. And I was like, I didn’t even know that was a boundary that we could draw. But then I was like, I should have gone and done the f***ing show.”
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Jamil was referring to the moment when Badgely requested a significant reduction in the number of “intimate scenes” in the latest season of You.
“Fidelity, in every relationship, and especially my marriage, is important to me,” Badgley said.
In another interview with Variety, Badgely added: “It’s not a place where I’ve blurred lines.
“There’s almost nothing I could say with more consecration.
“That aspect of Hollywood has always been very disturbing to me – and that aspect of the job, that mercurial boundary – has always been something that I actually don’t want to play with at all.”
You is available to stream now on Netflix.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments