Why are fans more uncomfortable with Hailee Steinfeld's intimate scenes than Josh Allen?

Hailee Steinfeld’s latest film Sinners is creating quite the stir and it’s not all for the reasons she might have hoped. While many fans are praising her performance, it’s the intimate scenes she shares with Michael B. Jordan that are sparking controversy. The backlash has been so intense that even Josh Allen , the Buffalo Bills quarterback, felt the need to step in, publicly supporting the movie and urging fans to check it out. But rather than calming the storm, his endorsement has only raised more questions about why people are reacting so differently to Hailee’s involvement compared to Josh’s. So, what’s behind the mixed reactions? Let’s break it down.

Hailee Steinfeld’s Role in Sinners Sparks Debate Over Portrayal of Women in Intimate Scenes

hailee steinfeld and michael b. jordan in ‘sinners’ pic.twitter.com/p7L2lMC1Bl

— best of hailee steinfeld (@archiveshailees) April 21, 2025

In Sinners, Hailee Steinfeld takes on a role that’s a bit of a departure from her usual image. Her character engages in some very intimate and vulnerable scenes with co-star Michael B. Jordan, which has made waves in the media.

She was RIDING @michaelb4jordan

— The Jizzler (@johniemeatballs) April 23, 2025

I known she's acting...but you know dudes looking through his fingers watching that movie.😳

— TD (@TDrago90) April 23, 2025

Then there’s Josh Allen. The Buffalo Bills star recently took to social media to share his support for Sinners, specifically praising Hailee’s performance.

Josh Allen is a proud fiancé 👏

(via @BuffaloBills) pic.twitter.com/m08x9N3Hno

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) April 23, 2025

For fans, this was a warm, encouraging gesture until it wasn’t. Hailee’s engagement to Josh adds a layer of discomfort to the situation, as the two are seen as a power couple. The thought of Josh watching Hailee's intimate scenes with another man creates a sense of unease for people who feel protective of the couple.

I don’t how tf as a significant other you can watch your fiancé in that movie but 🤷🏼‍♂️

— MariGOATa🦆 (@marigoataaa) April 23, 2025

I know he was squirming in his seat

— Jess (@XenoVC) April 23, 2025

The discomfort many fans are feeling isn’t just about Hailee’s intimate scenes in Sinners. It's about the fact that Hailee, who is publicly engaged to Josh, is now portraying someone in romantic and explicit situations with another man. It’s a situation many fans aren’t used to seeing, especially when Hailee and Josh embodies wholesome love. This dynamic makes the scrutiny on Hailee feel more intense.

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Interestingly, while some fans feel that Josh should have a say in the matter, others feel that he is entitled to support Hailee’s professional choices without judgment. Yet, the bigger question remains: Does Hailee's personal relationship with Josh make her role in Sinners even more controversial, or is it just the natural fallout of stepping into a new, mature chapter of her career?