Actor Jason Isaacs, known for his role in the HBO series “The White Lotus,” has issued an apology following backlash over controversial remarks regarding nudity in film. The 61-year-old British star addressed his comments during a press tour meant to promote the show’s third season, where he discussed the scrutiny male actors face concerning their nude scenes.

Isaacs elaborated on his views during an interview with CBS Morning, wherein he stated, “A lot of people are debating it. It’s interesting because the best actress this year is Mikey Madison at the Oscars. And I don’t see anybody discussing her vulva, which was on television all the time [in Anora].” He suggested there exists a “double standard” between how male and female nudity is discussed in media, raising concerns about the treatment and exploitation of women in film.

The actor later acknowledged that his phrasing had been poor, explaining to Variety, “I said the wrong words in the wrong way. I used the phrase ‘double standard’, which I didn’t mean at all… It came out wrong, and I was tired — I’d done so many interviews.” Isaacs made a point of clarifying that he does not believe men have had a harder time than women in the industry, but rather that women have been historically “monstrously exploited” on camera.

In his original comments, he mentioned fellow actresses Mikey Madison and Margaret Qualley, who have also appeared in nude scenes in their respective works. “I absolutely should not have mentioned those two actresses, whom I respect enormously,” he said, adding that he is an admirer of Madison’s talent. Isaacs stated that his intention had been to highlight the “unfair balance” related to nudity on screen, implying that male nudity in “The White Lotus” serves to address this imbalance.

While promoting “The White Lotus,” Isaacs was also questioned about the possibility of using a prosthetic in a particular scene, where his character Timothy Ratliff experiences a revealing moment. Although he initially evaded questions about the scene, co-stars Sam Nivola and Sarah Catherine Hook later disclosed that Isaacs indeed employed a prosthetic to enhance his appearance, which Isaacs himself joked about, saying, “It’ll get easier, hopefully.”

The third season of “The White Lotus,” set in a luxury hotel in Thailand, continues to explore themes surrounding the lives of its guests and staff, following previous seasons set in Hawaii and Sicily. Jason Isaacs, who also gained prominence for his role as Lucius Malfoy in the “Harry Potter” series, has continued to engage in discussions regarding the treatment of actors concerning nudity and exploitation within the film industry.

Source: Noah Wire Services