Amber Riley, known for her role as Mercedes in the popular TV show 'Glee,' recently shared insights on a podcast about her decision to refuse filming a sex scene with co-star Chord Overstreet's character, Sam.
Riley disclosed that she declined to shoot a planned sex scene where Mercedes was supposed to lose her virginity to Sam. Despite the initial script direction, Riley stood firm in her decision, expressing discomfort with the proposed storyline.
Upon voicing her concerns to 'Glee' co-creator Brad Falchuk, Riley adamantly stated her refusal to participate in the scene as scripted. Falchuk then suggested a more subdued approach, proposing a scene where the characters simply hold hands and walk into a room before closing the door. However, Riley remained steadfast in her decision, asserting that the altered scene was still not in line with her beliefs about her character.
Riley emphasized that Mercedes' character, portrayed as a devout Christian who had expressed intentions of saving herself for marriage, would not realistically engage in such a scenario. She highlighted the importance of portraying authentic and meaningful storylines, especially for young viewers who might be influenced by the content.
Throughout the series, Mercedes and Sam's relationship experienced ups and downs, culminating in a mutual decision to remain friends in the fifth season. Riley's refusal to film the sex scene sheds light on the complexities of navigating sensitive storylines and staying true to character integrity.
