Chloe Bailey is receiving criticism for her sex scene in Donald Glover’s new series “Swarm.” While her co-star, Damson Idris, is not facing the same scrutiny, Chloe’s portrayal in the scene has sparked important discussions about double standards and colorism in Hollywood. More inside…
Chloe Bailey is facing criticism for her sex scene in Donald Glover’s new Prime Video series “Swarm.” Even though her co-star, British actor Damson Idris, was also part of the scene, we haven’t seen him face any scrutiny for the explicit scene. The criticism of Chloe raises important questions about colorism and double standards in Hollywood.
In the psychological thriller, the “Treat Me” singer plays Marissa, the sister of a fan who becomes obsessed with a Beyoncé-like artist and goes on a murderous rampage. Chloe’s character is shown having sex with her boyfriend Khalid, played by Damson, while her sister, Dre (played by Dominique Fishback), watches. The scene is not particularly graphic, but it has caused controversy nonetheless. And we’re really confused why folks are up in arms about it.
Swarm (2023) Chloe Bailey Full Sex Scene pic.twitter.com/uWqggu38hQ
— Poetik Flakko (@FlakkoPoetik) March 17, 2023
In a recent interview, Chloe, previously 1/2 of Chloe x Halle, revealed that she was scared to film the scene, but the “Snowfall” actor made her feel comfortable. She praised him for being a supportive co-star and making her feel at ease during the filming process.
Watch the clip below:
Chloe Bailey on how Damson Idris made her comfortable filming her first love scene in ‘Swarm’ #SXSW pic.twitter.com/jKhKmlTHj4
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) March 11, 2023
Despite this, some people are criticizing Chloe for taking part in the scene and are questioning whether colorism played a role in her decision.
The conversation took an unexpected turn when someone dragged Halle Berry into the conversation in comparison to Chloe. Halle Berry’s role in Monster’s Ball, which featured a much more graphic sex scene, was brought up in comparison.
One comment read, “Halle Berry getting back shots role got her an Oscar right?” While it may seem negative at first glance, the user actually supported Chloe’s decision by pointing out that Halle took career risks that ended up working out for her.
However, things quickly got heated when another Twitter user brought up the issue of colorism and Halle Berry’s lighter skin tone. The tweet alleged that Halle has benefited from “whiteness” and fits Hollywood’s traditional white European beauty standard more than Chloe or any other dark-skinned Black woman.
The implication being that Halle has had an easier time in the industry because she is “white-passing.” The Twitter user further argued that colorism still exists and that Chloe may not have the same advantages as Halle because of her darker skin tone.
Halle Berry is not black she’s biracial “white passing” plus she was Hollyweirds favorite. Megan Good just talked about how hard her career has been by taking these type of roles. Chole will learn the hard way we don’t make up the rules. https://t.co/KBXegM7vXa
— YANIE (@realwithyanie) March 19, 2023
”Halle Berry is not black she’s biracial ‘white passing’ plus she was Hollyweirds favorite. Megan Good just talked about how hard her career has been by taking these type of roles. Chole will learn the hard way we don’t make up the rules,” one user tweeted.
Now, y’all…white passing?
Peep more reactions below:
On what world is Halle Berry white passing? Because it’s not on Earth. You can call out colorism and anti-Blackness in Hollywood while only saying things that are sane and true.
— Also not white passing (@CallMeDSharp) March 19, 2023
Why are some people acting like Chloe Bailey aka someone who literally has Beyoncé as a mentor would now be suffering in her career for doing a 10 second sex scene in a prestige drama made by an Emmy winner
— haaniyah angus (@_haaniyah_) March 20, 2023
I love Chloe and she is stunning but who tf is her pr team.
She’s on hbo doing sex scenes and doing a gospel movie?!? I love her being booked, but isn’t this slightly off.
Imma support my beautiful loc’d sis but her team is sloppy,
— Bougie Black Hippie (@sydthetwinkid) March 17, 2023
I do not mind a sex scene I’m just wondering what strat Chloe’s team is on in establishing her brand/story of who she is as an artist/entertainer.
The gospel movie, that feature, the album cover, the choice in singles it’s like they are throwing everything to see what sticks.
— Kundi (@namedconquer) March 17, 2023
also the argument that chloe doing a sex scene and then a gospel movie is blasphemous or whatever is deeply unserious considering another lead in the gospel movie is a man who admitted to impatiently waiting for an underage girl to turn 18 to sexualize her
— white wendy williams (@theepolishdoll) March 19, 2023
Damson Idris is shooting such scenes with Chloe Bailey and going home to Lori Harvey ??pic.twitter.com/ZPxpxyb1gW
— Post Carlone (@carltonkitheka1) March 17, 2023
Chloe is 24. If she wants to do sex scenes in one movie and do a quirky gospel comedy in another,
She’s allowed to because SHE’S AN ADULT!!! pic.twitter.com/leyGmk2Fi9— sailor saturn bonnet (@thechirose) March 17, 2023
It is important to note that Chloe is not the first Black actress to face criticism for taking part in a sex scene. In fact, Black actresses have historically been hypersexualized in Hollywood and have had to navigate double standards when it comes to on-screen nudity and sexuality. Black women are often portrayed as “exotic” and “wild,” and their sexuality is fetishized and exploited for the male gaze.
Furthermore, the criticism of Chloe’s sex scene highlights the ways in which women are held to different standards than men in Hollywood. Damson Idris has faced no backlash for his role in the scene with Chloe. Instead, he is being praised for his acting abilities and for being a supportive co-star. This double standard is unacceptable and perpetuates harmful gender stereotypes.
It is also worth noting that Chloe is a young artist who is still discovering her artistic voice. She has been criticized for her recent collaborations with Chris Brown, who has a history of domestic violence. However, it is important to allow artists the space to experiment and make mistakes. Holding them to impossible standards and criticizing them for taking risks is counterproductive and stifles creativity.
The criticism of Chloe’s sex scene in “Swarm” is an example of the double standards and colorism that persist in Hollywood. Black actresses have historically been hypersexualized and held to different standards than their male counterparts. It is important to continue the conversation about race and representation in Hollywood and to hold the industry accountable for its harmful practices. We should support artists in their artistic endeavors and give them the space to make mistakes and grow.
Photo: Instagram