Controversial On-Set Teen Scene Revealed as Key Factor in Safdie Brothers’ Rift
Hollywood directors Josh and Benny Safdie, long celebrated for their gritty, immersive films, have officially gone their separate ways — and new reporting suggests the split was triggered by a troubling incident on the set of their 2017 movie Good Time. Sources close to Page Six Hollywood say that a controversial scene involving a 17-year-old actress sparked a deep ethical disagreement between the siblings that ultimately led to the end of their creative partnership.
The Safdie brothers earned a reputation as one of indie cinema’s most innovative duos, known for films like Good Time and Uncut Gems that blend realism with raw emotional intensity. For years, industry observers speculated about why the two stopped working together, with rumors ranging from creative differences to political disagreements. But reporting now suggests a far more serious catalyst rooted in how a minor was handled during a sensitive scene nearly a decade ago.
Behind the Controversial Good Time Scene
According to multiple industry sources, the contentious episode occurred during filming of Good Time, a crime thriller released in 2017 that starred Robert Pattinson. The production included a scene involving a young character portraying a prostitute, intended to depict gritty, realistic environments. However, the actor cast for that role was 17 years old, making her a minor under U.S. labor rules and Screen Actors Guild protections.
During the shoot, the actress was placed in a scene involving nudity and simulated sexual activity with a non-professional performer, identified in reports as Buddy Duress, whose real name was Michael Stathis and who had a history of legal troubles. While filming, Duress allegedly exposed himself and made inappropriate advances toward the young actress — behavior that witnesses say occurred while the cameras were rolling and under the supervision of Josh Safdie, who was monitoring the scene.
Industry insiders insist that any director in that situation should have immediately called for a cut. Instead, sources claim that Josh allowed the scene to continue filming. It was only later in the day — after the footage had been captured — that he learned of the actress’s age, according to those familiar with the production.
Removing the Scene but Not the Fallout
The controversial scene, which never appeared in the finished film, was ultimately removed before Good Time premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2017. At the time, the Safdie brothers and their team said the cut was made for “creative reasons.” But the underlying circumstances remained largely unknown to the public for years.
That changed in 2022 during the highly publicized divorce of the Safdies’ former producing partner, Sebastian “Sebo” Bear-McClard, and actress Emily Ratajkowski. In the course of legal proceedings, details of the on-set incident resurfaced, including the revelation about the actress’s age — information that was reportedly new to Benny Safdie.
The revelation created a deep ethical divide between the brothers. While Josh pointed blame at Bear-McClard for hiring the underage actress, Bear-McClard pushed back, saying he was not responsible for verifying her age and was not present during the filming of the contentious scene. Nevertheless, Benny was reportedly shaken by the details once they emerged, setting the stage for tensions that would eventually fracture their partnership.
The Breakup and Aftermath
Despite the resurfacing of the issue, the Safdie brothers continued to collaborate for nearly another year. The pair even entered pre-production on a high-profile Netflix project that would have reunited them with frequent collaborators like Adam Sandler and Ben Affleck. However, by March 2023, the relationship had deteriorated irreparably, and Benny abruptly ended their creative partnership. The planned Netflix project was subsequently canceled.
Since the split, both brothers have embarked on distinct career paths. Josh Safdie has enjoyed a major critical upswing with Marty Supreme, earning multiple Oscar nominations including Best Director, while Benny has moved forward with his own projects such as The Smashing Machine, which has drawn significantly less awards attention.
Industry Reactions and Ethical Questions
The emerging details about the Good Time incident have stirred debate within Hollywood and beyond, particularly among advocates for child safety and ethical filmmaking practices. Using minors in scenes that involve simulated intimacy poses significant legal and moral challenges, and sources familiar with the situation argue that industry standards designed to protect young performers were compromised.
Critics point to this episode as a stark example of how artistic ambition and a desire for realism can clash with ethical responsibilities on set. The situation has reignited conversations about safeguards for young actors, the responsibilities of directors and producers, and how film productions should balance creative objectives with the welfare of those involved.
Legacy of a Legendary Filmmaking Duo
The Safdie brothers were once celebrated as one of indie cinema’s most electrifying creative partnerships, known for visceral storytelling and a verité approach that blended professional actors with non-professionals. While both continue to make films, the rift has reshaped their careers and altered the narrative of their collaborative legacy.
What started as a raw cinematic technique on the set of Good Time evolved into a profound ethical reckoning that ultimately ended one of the most compelling creative collaborations in contemporary filmmaking. As both directors continue to forge individual paths, the controversy serves as a reminder of the complex responsibilities that come with artistic expression — especially when it involves vulnerable performers.
