Irish actor Jamie Dornan is in hot water for his alleged anti-BDSM comments in a recent magazine interview. The comments were made after the actor visited a sex dungeon as part of his research for his upcoming movie, "Fifty Shades of Grey."
Dornan replaced Charlie Hunnam for the role of Christian Grey. As part of his "research" for the role of the sado-masochist Grey, the 32-year old actor visited a sex dungeon to see how BDSM is done. He recounted his experience during the said trip to Elle UK magazine and it seems that the "Marie Antoinette" actor was unimpressed with what he saw.
"I saw a dominant with one of his two submissives. I was like: 'Come on guys, I know I'm not paying for this, but I am expecting a show,'" he told Elle. While that statement may be funny to Dornan, the BDSM community was not amused.
But perhaps, what offended those from the said community was Dornan's next statement describing his arrival at home after the trip. "Then going back to my wife and newborn baby afterwards... I had a long shower before touching either of them," he added.
Those who support the BDSM lifestyle were quick to respond to Dornan's comments. International Business Times wrote that blogger TheMarySue countered the actor's comments and said, "Sexual preferences that deviate from the norm are repulsive, even when al parties involved are consenting! Unless, of course, you can exploit and chronically misrepresent those preferences in a highly problematic film, in which case deviancy is hot, hot, hot!"
Meanwhile, Rumpus creator Stephen Elliott was angered that people who engaged in BDSM were painted as "circus freaks." Elliott, who is very open with BDSM as his sexual orientation noted, "To me, it's equivalent of making a movie about gay people and making homophobic remarks."
Ever since the movie adaptation of the controversial book by E.L. James has been announced, numerous issues have troubled its production. Charlie Hunnam, who was originally cast as Christian Grey, had to pull out after just a few weeks.
ABC News said that Hunnam's shooting schedule for the "Fifty Shades of Grey" movie was in conflict with "Sons of Anarchy" so he begged off. However, Hunnam maintained a friendly relationship with the producers of the movie and was even seen talking to director Sam Taylor-Johnson in a Christmas party last week, reported JustJared.com.
US magazine reported in October that the producers had to reshoot some scenes because of the lack of chemistry between the lead actors. Dakota Johnson, who plays Anastasia Steele and Dornan were lacking in the "passion" department in some of their intimate scenes. Would it have been better if Charlie Hunnam played the part? Fans will have to wait a few more months.
"Fifty Shades of Grey" is set to hit theaters on Valentine's Day next year.
