Mahershala Ali Reveals Why He Doesn’t Do Sex Scenes In Films

Mahershala Ali is an exceptional actor, but he draws the line in the sand when it comes to sex scenes.

The Oscar-winning actor is a Muslim and he will not engage in anything that may disrespect his religion.

During a recent convo on Common‘s “Mind Power Mixtape” Podcast, the Oscar-winning actor revealed he was going to turn down his role in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button because the role called for a sex scene with Taraji P. Henson.

So my old agent called me and said, ‘Mahershala, you got the part.’ And I said, ‘There’s just one thing… There is that one sex scene where they kiss… If there’s a sex scene, I can’t do it.’

I don’t do simulated sex.

He went on to share how he was able to do the scene because the director, David Fincher, was respectful of his wishes.

Taraji and I begin to kiss, and we fall out of the frame… It wasn’t clear if [Fincher] was trying to have like some bumping and grinding … which I doubt he was…But for me even … at that time, 15 years ago, I was still like, ‘OK, I can only go up to this point,’ just because of — just trying to hold a space of respect for my religion.

I totally respect Mahershala Ali and his honorable decision to refrain from simulated sex.

Am I a heathen because I am a tad disappointed? ?