Doula Domino Kirke addressed persistent public speculation on September 28, firmly shutting down rumors that she influenced her husband, actor Penn Badgley, to stop filming intimacy scenes for his screen projects three years ago.
Addressing the ongoing chatter via social media, Kirke clarified her stance on her husband’s career choices and told fans who continue to send direct messages to move past the topic. The 42-year-old doula emphasized that the choice was entirely Badgley’s own, driven by his personal boundaries and mental health.
Domino Kirke Shuts Down Outside Influence Rumors
In her social media video, Kirke detailed the continuous influx of messages she receives regarding the boundary Badgley set three years ago. She explained the scope of the decision within the entertainment industry.
"I continue to get DMs about this thing that happened about three years ago, when my husband decided that he didn’t want to do intimacy scenes anymore. Meaning: He didn’t want to have sex. He didn’t want to kiss. He didn’t want to do any of that, which was really major in his industry," said Kirke.
Kirke expressed full support for the You star, stating that she was proud of him for taking such a significant step in a field where physical intimacy is frequently demanded of actors. She framed the decision as an exercise in what she terms "relational hygiene," a principle she also strives to uphold in her professional doula career.
Why Penn Badgley Stepped Back From Intimacy
Penn Badgley first made headlines regarding his stance on intimacy in February 2023 during an appearance on Andy Cohen Live and episodes of his podcast, Podcrushed. The actor, known for his roles in Gossip Girl and the Netflix thriller series You, cited his marriage and personal values as primary factors.
- Commitment to Marriage: Badgley noted that maintaining fidelity and emotional boundaries within a committed relationship made simulating romance with costars unappealing.
- Lack of Realism: In later interviews, the actor pointed out that choreographed intimacy on screen often fails to mirror authentic human connection.
- Mental Health and Typecasting: Both Kirke and Badgley noted the decision helped him break away from being perpetually cast as a standard romantic lead.
Despite stepping back from intimacy, Badgley has noted his approach is a preference rather than an absolute restriction. During the production of the fifth and final season of You, which premiered in April 2025, he engaged in selective intimate scenes when they were deemed vital and deliberate to the narrative.
Fans Urged to Move On
Emphasizing her own professional identity independent of her husband, Kirke made it clear that she supports individuals in making empowering choices for their own careers and mental well-being.
"I want to say, to those of you who still DM me about my husband deciding to do this for himself and his mental health, get over it," Kirke stated.
The couple, who began dating in 2014 and married at a New York courthouse in February 2017, share a blended family, including a son born in August 2020 and twin boys welcomed in September 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Domino Kirke force Penn Badgley to stop filming sex scenes?
No. Domino Kirke explicitly denied rumors that she influenced her husband’s career decision, clarifying that the boundary was set entirely by Badgley for himself and his mental health.
When did Penn Badgley decide to stop doing sex scenes?
Penn Badgley publicly shared his decision to limit intimate scenes in early 2023 while promoting the fourth season of his Netflix series, You.
Are Penn Badgley’s sex scene restrictions absolute?
No, Badgley’s stance is a strong personal preference rather than a strict ban. He has noted that if an intimate scene is deemed essential, vital, and deliberate to the story, he will participate.
When did Domino Kirke and Penn Badgley get married?
Domino Kirke and Penn Badgley tied the knot in a civil ceremony at a New York courthouse on February 27, 2017.
What is Domino Kirke’s profession?
Domino Kirke works professionally as a doula, supporting individuals and families through birth and major life transitions.
