A controversial teenage sex scene during the filming of the 2017 crime thriller ‘Good Time’ has been identified as the primary cause of the rift between acclaimed director brothers Josh and Benny Safdie, according to exclusive reports. The incident, which involved a minor and on-set misconduct, led to Benny severing ties with his brother in 2023 after learning the full details, ending one of Hollywood’s most dynamic creative partnerships.
The Safdie brothers, known for their edgy, vérité-style films like ‘Uncut Gems,’ had kept the reasons for their split shrouded in mystery, with rumors ranging from political differences to industry strikes. However, Page Six Hollywood reveals that the breakup stems from a dark event on the set of ‘Good Time,’ where a 17-year-old girl was cast to play a prostitute. During a scene involving nudity and simulated sex with non-actor Buddy Duress, who was high at the time, Duress exposed himself and asked to engage in real sex, while Josh Safdie allegedly allowed the cameras to roll without intervention.
Sources close to the production state that Josh, the de facto commander on set, became aware of the actress’s age only after the scene was shot, as the traumatized girl spiraled. Using a minor for such a scene violates Screen Actors Guild rules and industry norms, with insiders describing Josh’s recklessness as ‘beyond the pale.’ Although the scene was eventually removed before the film’s premiere at Cannes, citing creative reasons, the repercussions lingered.
The rift began to surface in 2022 when the brothers’ former producing partner, Sebastian Bear-McClard, became embroiled in a bitter divorce with actress Emily Ratajkowski. Bear-McClard threatened to expose the ‘Good Time’ incident, and it was during this time that Benny Safdie learned about the actress’s age, creating a ‘wedge’ between the siblings. Josh blamed Bear-McClard for hiring the minor, but sources note that Bear-McClard wasn’t present during the misconduct.
Despite cutting ties with Bear-McClard and attempting mediation, tensions between the brothers mounted. In March 2023, after Variety reported details of the incident, Benny swiftly ended the partnership, canceling a planned Netflix project with Adam Sandler. The brothers then pursued separate ventures: Josh directed ‘Marty Supreme’ with Timothée Chalamet, earning multiple Oscar nominations, while Benny worked on ‘The Smashing Machine’ with Dwayne Johnson.
The Safdies have a history of pushing boundaries in their filmmaking, including alleged labor norm violations, such as keeping a child actor on set past legal hours. Critics, including child advocacy groups, question the ethical costs of their methods, especially as Josh faces Oscar recognition. Anne Henry of BizParentz remarked that directors should be judged for their professionalism, not just their artistic output.
As the dust settles, both Safdie brothers continue to work with Hollywood’s A-list, but the fallout highlights ongoing concerns about safety and ethics in the industry. The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of prioritizing art over well-being, and it remains to be seen how this revelation will impact their careers and future collaborations.
