The hosts of CBS Mornings recently engaged in a lively discussion with actor Jason Isaacs regarding his controversial full-frontal scene in the acclaimed series The White Lotus. The conversation took a rather awkward turn when Gayle King, Tony Dokoupil, and Nate Burleson probed Isaacs about a moment in which his character inadvertently exposed his genitalia in front of family members. This prompted King to ask, "Was that you or was that a prosthetic?" A question that sparked a heated debate among viewers and fans alike.
In response to King’s inquiry, Isaacs acknowledged the widespread discussion surrounding the scene, noting, "It's all over the internet." King pressed further, stating, "You didn't answer the question!" This led Isaacs to address the gender dynamics surrounding discussions of nudity in film. He pointed out a double standard, saying, "Because the Best Actress this year was Mikey Madison at the Oscars, and I don't see anybody discussing her vulva, which is on screen all the time." He emphasized the need for equality in conversations about nudity, highlighting that similar scrutiny is rarely applied to female performers.
Isaacs continued his critique of the double standard by referencing actress Margaret Qualley, who had openly discussed her own nudity in the film The Substance. Isaacs argued that while male nudity often becomes a focal point of discussion, female nudity is treated with more discretion. "It’s odd that there’s a double standard," he remarked, expressing his frustration with how societal norms dictate these conversations.
As the CBS Mornings hosts noted that Isaacs seemed evasive, he candidly admitted, "It is a dodge, because I don't think that people really want to know how the sausage is made." This remark highlights the complexity of discussing nudity and the production processes behind it.
Dokoupil then interjected with a light-hearted question about the use of prosthetics, asking, "Is the guy who does the prosthetics the same guy who does the ears and the noses?" Isaacs, confused by the question, quipped back, "Who’s got fake ears and noses?" He further elaborated on the absurdity of focusing on male nudity in a show that includes several female characters also depicted in vulnerable states.
When King tried to redirect the conversation, Dokoupil returned to the subject of prosthetics. "I think if prosthetics were standard with actresses, we would ask," he claimed, which led Isaacs to challenge the fixation on the topic: "What is your obsession with it? Are you having therapy?" This humorous exchange underscored the absurdity of the ongoing discussion surrounding male nudity in the entertainment industry.
In a more serious tone, Isaacs praised the brilliance of Mike White, the creator of The White Lotus, stating, "It's the best series on television for a long time." He briefly reflected on his character, Timothy Ratliff, revealing that Ratliff resorts to drug use as a coping mechanism for his unraveling life. "I remember reading the scripts thinking, 'Wow, I've got to keep my powder dry for five or six episodes, and then this s--- really kicks off,'" Isaacs shared, providing insight into the depth of his character and the narrative arc of the series.
As the conversation wrapped up, Isaacs humorously remarked about the nudity clause in his contracts, joking, "Yeah, it is now in my contract for every show I do, so we'll see." His candidness and humor throughout the interview offered a glimpse into the complexities of discussing nudity and the need for a broader dialogue in the entertainment industry.
