Domino Kirke-Badgley, wife of actor Penn Badgley, has addressed persistent rumors suggesting she was the reason for his decision to stop filming sex scenes. In a recent Instagram post, Kirke-Badgley stated that her husband made this choice for his own mental health and personal reasons, not due to her influence.
Badgley, known for his role in the Netflix series "You," first spoke about his preference to avoid intimate scenes on the "Podcrushed" podcast in February 2023. He explained that fidelity in his marriage was important to him and that he reached a point where he did not want to engage in such scenes onscreen. He reiterated this sentiment in an appearance on "Andy Cohen Live," stating he lacked the desire to be intimate with other actors while married.
Kirke-Badgley, a professional birth doula, revealed in her Instagram post that she still receives direct messages from fans who believe she is responsible for her husband's stance. She clarified that Badgley's decision, made approximately three years prior, was a significant one in his industry, where such scenes are often expected. She suggested that fans, accustomed to certain character portrayals, might have been surprised by his personal boundaries.
She emphasized that Badgley's choice was rooted in "relational hygiene" and mental well-being, especially considering his long career in the entertainment industry since childhood. Kirke-Badgley expressed pride in her husband for taking a stand, noting that he has continued to find work and retain his fanbase. She concluded her message by urging those still commenting on the matter to "get over it."
In March 2023, Badgley himself commented on the public reaction to his decision in an interview with British GQ. He noted that his remarks had been amplified and suggested that his comments were not solely about the final product but also about the broader culture within film and television production, referencing Hollywood's history of exploitation.
Despite his initial stance, Badgley did film intimate scenes for Season 5 of "You," which was released in April 2025. Speaking to People, he explained that while his preference remained for minimal intimate scenes, he understood the necessity of such elements for the show. He stated that if such scenes were required, he was prepared to ensure they were vital and deliberate, a standard that was met during production.