Actress Hilarie Burton delves into her initial days on the set of One Tree Hill, reminiscing about a particular scene with costar Chad Michael Murray that stirred deep emotions, ultimately leaving her in tears within her trailer.
In a recent episode of the Drama Queens podcast alongside hosts Sophia Bush and Bethany Joy Lenz, Hilarie, known for portraying Peyton Sawyer from 2003 to 2009, revealed her sentiments regarding the filming of an intimate moment between Peyton and Lucas.
During this scene, Hilarie felt a sense of discomfort, especially when she had to kiss Lucas’s chest before assisting in removing his belt.
Despite her reservations, she proceeded without questioning the director’s instructions, feeling somewhat obliged to comply.
Recalling the incident, Hilarie appreciated Chad’s gesture of wearing a white tank top beneath his shirt to maintain a level of comfort during the intimate scene, considering their relatively short acquaintance of a few weeks or months.
Expressing her distress to the director, Hilarie limited the scene to a maximum of three takes, as she found herself overwhelmed and emotionally shaken, confessing to her cohosts about her reluctance and the inner turmoil she faced.
The experience led Hilarie to question the morality of her actions, equating her performance to that of a transactional nature, where she felt as though she was engaging in intimate acts solely for financial gain.
Despite her internal struggles, Hilarie found solace in the support of her fellow female crew members, who rallied around her in a moment of solidarity and empowerment, reinforcing the importance of sisterhood behind the scenes.
Gathering her courage with the camaraderie and encouragement from her peers, Hilarie returned to the set after sharing a moment of bonding over a shot of vodka, symbolizing a shared strength and unity among the women working together.
Reflecting on the challenging early days of One Tree Hill, Sophia Bush, one of the podcast hosts and former costar of Hilarie, acknowledged the intimidating and perplexing atmosphere that surrounded the cast during the show’s inception.
Furthermore, Sophia highlighted the complexities of navigating the entertainment industry as young actors, shedding light on the pressure to conform to adult standards and expectations without adequate guidance or support.
In light of past allegations of s–ual harassment within the show’s production, including accusations against showrunner Mark Schwahn, the cast and crew members have addressed the issues of misconduct and the need for accountability in the industry.
While Mark Schwahn has not publicly responded to the allegations raised against him, the revelations serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by actors and industry professionals, emphasizing the importance of creating safe and respectful work environments.
