Kiera Knightley is no longer filming sex scenes for male directors

Sex scenes. Hollywood is full of them. Some are steamy, some genuinely drive the story forward, and some are downright cringe-worthy. Kiera Knightley is reportedly finished with those that fall into the latter category — especially if they’re filmed from a male perspective.

The Pirates of the Caribbean star appeared on the CHANEL Connects podcast recently, and the conversation turned to how she feels about nudity onscreen. And although Knightley believes there are some instances where sex scenes and nudity are necessary or make sense, she revealed that she’ll only partake if there’s a woman in the director’s chair:

"“If I was making a story … and it was about that journey of motherhood and that journey of body [acceptance] … I’m sorry, but that would have to be with a female filmmaker. I don’t have an absolute ban, but I kind of do with men.”"

It’s an understandable stance, especially given how frequently Hollywood objectifies women’s bodies. Of course, the award-winning actress didn’t always feel this way. Knightley admitted that her views on the matter have changed as she’s gotten older, and especially after having two daughters. She told CHANEL Connects listeners that she’s become “very uncomfortable now trying to portray the male gaze.”

“I don’t want it to be those horrible sex scenes where you’re all greased up and everybody’s grunting. I’m not interested in doing that,” she said.

That said, Knightley did say that she understands why certain filmmakers would want to include a sex scene. She’s also spoken previously about positive experiences she’s had with such endeavors, including her work on 2007’s Atonement.

Even so, it’ll take a woman in the director’s chair — and some very good reasoning — to get Knightley to film another sex scene any time soon. And we respect her for it!

What do you think of Knightley’s comments about the male gaze? Do you agree? Share your thoughts in the comments below.