Jesse Williams has addressed the leaked footage showing him nude in the Broadway play “Take Me Out.”

Speaking to Associated Press on Saturday, the “Grey’s Anatomy” actor discussed the unauthorized video of the scene, which was taken by an audience member and was later released online.

“I’m not down about it. Our job is to go out there every night, no matter what,” he said. “I’m not really worrying about it. I can’t sweat that.”

While he expressed that he was personally unaffected by the video, Jesse stressed the importance of respecting theatre rules.


“We do need to keep advocating for ourselves,” the 40-year-old continued, referring to performers. “And it’s wonderful to see a community push back and make clear what we do stand for, what we don’t.”

Elsewhere, Jesse noted the difference between consenting to perform the nude scene to an in-person audience and an infinite online one.

Theatergoers are required to put their devices in special cases for “Take Me Out,” which can only be unlocked in the lobby.

“Consent is important, I thought. So, let’s keep that in mind universally,” he added. “Theatre is a sacred space, and everybody doesn’t understand that. Everybody doesn’t necessarily respect or regard that in a way that maybe they should, or we’d like.”

Jesse stars as Darren Lemming in the revival of the show, which follows a gay baseball player coming out to his teammates and the press.

He has landed a Tony Award nomination for his performance. Meanwhile, Twitter is still flabbergasted by Jesse’s manhood almost a week later.

ᴋᴀɪᴛʜ ♡︎
@kjdayaoo
this lil #JesseWilliams video https://t.co/qTC1LJDbJU

Image

5:51 AM · May 16, 2022
1
0

The P-Valley Podcast
@pvalleypodcast
LMAO. I don't think he's packing, but I wouldn't turn him down if he wanted to smash. Call me #JesseWilliams! https://t.co/CNfZSTzsi1

Image

1:40 AM · May 16, 2022
2
0

NeuroSushii🍣 🧠MS,PhDc🧠
@NeuroDataDefrag
@iJesseWilliams ur so beautiful 😍. I don't mean to objectify your body n stuff but…respectfully…damn sir 😍 #JesseWilliams https://t.co/2WLCb377p2

Image

5:08 PM · May 15, 2022
0
0

Black & proud ❤️
@LovewinsBLM
It's sucks they violated Jesse Williams privacy, 😔 but after i seen what i seen baby
#JesseWilliams #Broadway https://t.co/8kV1jeHqle

Image

3:11 PM · May 15, 2022
0
0

Stephanie
@Miss_BamBam5
When Jesse Williams says “it’s just a body”. Do you know how long people have waited to see THAT part of his body! 😂 lawd have mercy #JesseWilliams #ItsJustABody

Image

3:32 AM · May 15, 2022
0
0