Lenny Abrahamson doesn't think the 'Normal People' stars were “hurt” by sex scenes ending up on adult websites.
Daisy Edgar-Jones played Marianne in Normal People
The BBC Three series - which is adaptation of Sally Rooney’s hit novel of the same name - focuses on the on/off relationship between Irish teenagers Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell (Paul Mescal), and the hugely popular show became known for its steamy and passionate sex scenes.
Following the initial release of the programme, a few raunchy scenes were uploaded to porn sites, but director Lenny has defended the work “ethically” and said neither of the stars were harmed as they felt very solid with their work.
He told Radio Times magazine: “I think all of us, as a group, felt very solid with the work and knew that what we’d done was really good and important. We could defend it ethically.
"I don’t think any of that [the repurposing of footage on porn websites] hurt any of the actors."
However, he noted that steps were taken to remove the footage as a copyright issue.
He added: "As a production entity we were straight on it with the broadcasters and streamers, to constantly have anything taken down.
"I think that’s all you can do, otherwise you’re letting the worst people in society determine what you can do because of how they’ll construe it.”
Since 'Normal People', Lenny has also directed an adaptation of Rooney’s debut novel ‘Conversation with Friends’ which came out last month.
The drama - which stars Sasha Lane and Alison Oliver - follows the story of two students who’s lives get intertwined with an older couple, and also featured steamy sex scenes.
Lenny noted that the scenes play “a massive part" because "how [the characters] communicate is through intimacy".
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