Jacob Elordi slams 'prudish' reaction to 'Saltburn' bathtub scene: 'There's far more extreme things in cinema'

Jacob Elordi criticizes 'prudish' response to 'Saltburn' bathtub scene

Actor Jacob Elordi called audience reactions to the controversial bathtub scene in Emerald Fennell's 2023 thriller Saltburn overly prudish, noting that far more extreme content exists in cinema. Speaking on Entertainment Weekly's Awardist podcast, the Frankenstein star reflected on the moment that drew online debate and even inspired a viral “Jacob Elordi’s Bathwater” candle.

“There’s more alarming things in the top 10 streamed remakes of crime documentaries on every streaming platform,” Elordi said.

The infamous 'Saltburn' scene

In the scene, Oliver, played by Barry Keoghan, secretly watches Felix, portrayed by Elordi, masturbate in a bathtub and later drinks the bathwater. The moment quickly sparked heated discussions on social media about boundaries in modern filmmaking and sexual imagery.

Elordi's perspective on cinematic boundaries

Elordi argued that audiences often accept violence in media without hesitation but still react strongly to sexual content. According to him, this double standard reveals a discomfort with intimacy on screen.

“I actually think it shows me just how prudish we are,” he said. “When I watch that, I just think there’s far more extreme things in cinema that I’ve seen, far more graphic.”

Public reaction and cultural debate

Despite the mixed responses, the scene solidified Saltburn as one of 2023’s most discussed films, prompting broader conversations about artistic expression, sexuality, and audience sensitivity.

Author’s summary: Jacob Elordi defended the provocative Saltburn bathtub scene, claiming audience shock exposes society’s double standards toward sex versus violence on screen.

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Entertainment Weekly Entertainment Weekly — 2025-11-07

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