Jacob Elordi has responded to backlash regarding a controversial bathtub scene in the film Saltburn, labeling the criticism as “prudish.” In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, the star of the hit series Euphoria defended the scene, which features his character engaging in a sexual act in a bathtub, followed by another character, played by Barry Keoghan, consuming the bathwater.
Elordi expressed his views on the public’s reaction to the scene, suggesting that it reflects a broader societal discomfort with sexual content compared to graphic violence. “I actually think it shows me just how, I guess, prudish we are,” he stated. He noted that he has seen far more extreme and graphic scenes in various films, questioning why sexually explicit content provokes such strong reactions while violent imagery often goes unchallenged.
The actor made a compelling comparison, pointing out that popular true crime documentaries frequently depict disturbing content without comparable scrutiny. “I think that’s much more alarming,” he elaborated, highlighting the fascination viewers have with violent narratives. Elordi continued, “The kind of horrible joy that we all get from watching children be mutilated. That’s what was interesting to me.”
In further discussions, Elordi reiterated these points during an appearance on Josh Horowitz’s Happy, Sad & Confused podcast. He emphasized that Saltburn has experienced two distinct receptions—one during its theatrical release and another on streaming platforms. Elordi argued that the film is often viewed through a social lens on streaming services, rather than as a traditional cinematic experience.
Saltburn, directed and written by Emerald Fennell, is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. The film features a notable cast, including Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant, Alison Oliver, Archie Madekwe, and Carey Mulligan. As of now, it holds a 72% fresh score and a 79% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The conversation surrounding the bathtub scene in Saltburn illustrates the ongoing debate about the boundaries of artistic expression in film, particularly regarding sexual content versus violence. Elordi’s remarks challenge audiences to reconsider their reactions to different forms of portrayal in contemporary cinema.
