Introduction
In a recent episode of the podcast “And That’s What You Really Missed,” former “Glee” star Amber Riley, best known for her role as Mercedes, revealed that she refused to film a sex scene with Chord Overstreet’s character, Sam.
Riley Takes a Stand
Amber Riley shared her experience with her former co-stars and podcast hosts, Jenna Ushkowitz and Kevin McHale. She explained that she firmly told “Glee” co-creator Brad Falchuk, “Absolutely not,” when the scene was presented to her.
An Altered Approach
Originally, there was a planned “full-blown” sex scene where Mercedes would lose her virginity to her boyfriend, Sam. However, after Riley rejected the idea, Falchuk suggested a more toned-down approach.
“He said, ‘Well, what if we just have you guys hold hands and walk to the room and then, like, close the door?'” Riley shared. But even this revised version was not something she was comfortable with. She stood her ground and firmly said, “No, I’m not doing it.”
Staying True to the Character
Riley explained that she believed the sex storyline for her character, Mercedes, wasn’t something that aligned with her character’s values. Mercedes was a devout Christian who had expressed her intention to save herself for marriage.
“I mean, I grew up as a church girl. It just wouldn’t happen. Not at that age, you know what I’m saying? Not that easily,” Riley expressed. She felt that going against her character’s beliefs and succumbing to pressure would send the wrong message to young girls.
A Decision for Authenticity
Amber Riley’s decision to reject the sex scene showcased her commitment to portraying her character with authenticity and staying true to her personal values. She believed that the scene would have been awkward and wouldn’t have served the message she wanted to send to young girls.
Conclusion
In the end, Mercedes and Sam’s relationship on “Glee” took a different path, as they decided to remain friends. Amber Riley’s refusal to film the sex scene demonstrates the importance of actors advocating for their characters and ensuring that the storylines align with the character’s beliefs and values.