Ruth Wilson reportedly left The Affair after complaining about nude scenes and a hostile work environment
Ruth Wilson left The Affair after complaining of a hostile work environment and due to "ongoing frustrations with the nudity required of her," according to a new report.
The actress in 2018 mysteriously announced her departure from the Showtime series, explaining that she "did want to leave, but I'm not allowed to talk about why." Now, a new report in The Hollywood Reporter sheds light on what happened.
Wilson, according to the report, raised concerns about the "frequency and nature" of nude scenes required of her, feeling she was being pressured into performing these scenes by showrunner Sarah Treem. The show's handling of nude scenes was also an issue with the cast and crew, sources said, such as the fact that "there sometimes were people there who didn't need to be." Treem told the Reporter she "did everything I could think of to make [Wilson] feel comfortable with these scenes."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Wilson reportedly negotiated her exit after The Affair director and executive producer Jeffrey Reiner spoke with Lena Dunham and, using vulgar language, asked if she could persuade Wilson into doing certain nude scenes, proceeding to "critique and crudely evaluate the bodies of all the women on his show" and show a graphic picture of The Affair actress Maura Tierney and a nude actor on set. A longtime Reiner associate told the Reporter the conversation never "pause[d] in discomfort," describing a blind item description of it as a "clickbait smear against a trusted colleague."
Wilson was reportedly uncomfortable continuing to work with Reiner after this incident, and she reportedly complained to Showtime of a hostile work environment. Wilson ultimately had her character written out in The Affair's fourth season, reportedly returning only under the condition that Treem wouldn't be allowed on set with her. She reportedly received a "substantial payment" and signed a nondisclosure agreement. Reiner left the show after season three.
Read the full report at The Hollywood Reporter.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect comments from a Reiner associate.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
'Make legal immigration a more plausible option'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
LA-to-Las Vegas high-speed rail line breaks ground
Speed Read The railway will be ready as soon as 2028
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Israel's military intelligence chief resigns
Speed Read Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva is the first leader to quit for failing to prevent the Hamas attack in October
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift to Miley Cyrus: female artists dominate 2024 Grammys
Speed Read SZA, Phoebe Bridgers and Lainey Wilson were also among the winners at LA gala
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published