Tensions are brewing in the world of television as the HBO Original series I Love LA and the HBO Max-acquired series Heated Rivalry find themselves at the center of a heated debate over depictions of sexuality in media.
In a recent interview, Jordan Firstman, who stars as Charlie in I Love LA, expressed his disapproval of Heated Rivalry‘s portrayal of gay sex scenes. His comments come on the heels of a notable scene from the latest episode of I Love LA, where Charlie watches a sex tape he made. According to a report from Vulture, the scene was described as “legitimately casual,” contrasting sharply with the more staged feel of sex scenes in Heated Rivalry.
Firstman didn’t hold back in his critique, stating, “Yeah, we’re going for it. It’s gay. I’m sorry, I watched those first two episodes of Heated Rivalry, and it’s just not gay.” He went on to express frustration about the lack of relatable representations of gay intimacy, arguing, “There’s so few things that actually show gay sex.”
Drawing from personal experience, he highlighted a specific moment from his own life that the team incorporated into the show. This moment, where both characters exclaim “that part” after an intimate encounter, has been a favorite of Firstman’s. He emphasized that moments of authenticity like that are what resonate with gay audiences, asserting, “A straight guy could not write that. They don’t know what the camaraderie of gay sex is.”
When discussing Heated Rivalry again, Firstman remarked that it seems a significant portion of the audience prefers watching heterosexual actors portray sexual relationships while pretending to be gay. “A lot of people just want entertainment or to see two straight hockey players pretending to be gay and fucking,” he commented critically.
The conversation has highlighted the importance of authentic representation, with Firstman urging actors to be open about their own sexual orientations. “I am one of those bitches who says, ‘Then say it.’ A gay guy would say it,” he reiterated. His sentiments echo a broader call within the industry for genuine representation rather than performative portrayals.
This discourse has sparked no small amount of chatter among audiences, particularly surrounding the actors in Heated Rivalry and the speculation regarding their own sexualities. In related news, the stars of Heated Rivalry recently addressed this speculation in an interview with Deadline, acknowledging the conversations resonating among fans.
Adding to the developments, both series have secured second seasons, with I Love LA being renewed by HBO and Heated Rivalry receiving a nod from Crave with HBO Max also on board. As fans await new content from these series, the conversation around genuine representation and authenticity in storytelling continues to ignite debates in the entertainment industry.
