Kaya Scodelario Learned the Value of a Good Agent When a ‘Notoriously Difficult Director’ Asked Her to Audition Naked for a Major Role
Since early 2009, actor Kaya Scodelario has taken the industry by storm with her incredible talent and knack for snatching up good roles. Fans love her performances in roles like Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City and Spinning Out — with more projects like The King’s Daughter and Don’t Make Me Go in the works.
Like too many stars in Hollywood, Scodelario also has a story to tell amid sexual misconduct and harassment allegations. It seems a “notoriously difficult director” tried to take advantage of her ambitions. Fortunately, her agent acted quickly and put a stop to it an act that other victims did not see happen
At least 20 allegations surfaced against actor/director Noel Clarke
Just days before receiving a prestigious BAFTA award, the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema, Noel Clarke received news that several women recently came forward against him.
According to The Guardian, who spoke to all 20 women, “They variously accuse him of sexual harassment, unwanted touching or groping, sexually inappropriate behavior and comments on set, professional misconduct, taking and sharing sexually explicit pictures and videos without consent, and bullying between 2004 and 2019.”
The reported cases include Gina Powell — she worked with Clarke on Brotherhood — Jahannah James (Brotherhood actor), and Synne Seltveit (met Clarke in London through Powell).
Powell alleges that Clarke continuously harassed her. He often told he planned to “f**k her and fire her” when he met her and even said he had naked audition footage of her that he secretly filmed. One of these auditions was reportedly shown to Powell, who was able to describe James in the footage from a few years earlier. (James was told it would not be filmed).
Seltveit adds to the interview. She said Clarke smacked her butt without consent. Despite this, she contacted the well-known actor/director to discuss further work and received a Snapchat of a “naked, erect penis.”
The investigation is ongoing as investigators dive deeper into the allegations. Clarke stands firm on his innocence.
Kaya Scodelario came forward with her own experience, crediting her agent for her safety
In response to Bola Agbaje’s Tweet, “Naked auditions has thrown me completely!” Scodelario wrote, “I had an audition for a job a few years ago. It said ‘she just needs to come in. Take her clothes off, and that’s all.’ I was terrified. Luckily I have an agent who swiftly said there was no way that was going to happen. This was a big movie. A big director. A big ‘opportunity.'”
She continued with another Tweet, “Different casting, between me and another actress. Both worked very hard to impress this notoriously difficult director. Auditioned multiple times. He emailed our agents, ‘Whoever agrees to go nude 1st gets the job.’ The movie had no nudity in it. He just wanted [to] see who’d say yes.”
While the star does not explicitly state that her experience is with Clarke, her tweet came just days following the news that Clarke faced 20 allegations so far, and her experience is eerily similar.
A later tweet revealed that she intentionally didn’t “name any names” to further protect herself and her career.
Scodelario gets real and calls the women who came forward ‘brave’
In a third tweet, The Truth About Emanuel star got real and admitted that she was nervous about the days to come after posting her experience on Twitter.
“You know what’s f**ked? I’m going to wake up in the morning with anxiety about tweeting,” Scodelario wrote. “Despite the fact that I haven’t named names. I’m still going to feel scared.” Turning her attention to those who did name names, she added, “The women who come forward openly are so brave. I am in awe of you all. Thank you.”
This just goes to show the importance of finding a good agent and not settling for just anyone who comes along. You and your safety are worth more!
