Chlöe Bailey is the epitome of unbothered after the actress addressed the massive backlash she received on social media for her infamous sex scene with co-star Damson Idris on Amazon Prime's Swarm.
In the hit limited series about how a fan's obsession with her favorite pop star drives her to kill, the 24-year-old played Marissa, Idris' love interest. Although Bailey's role in the show was brief, the "Have Mercy" vocalist seemed to get viewers all flustered when a scene from the first episode, which showcased her and Idris being intimate, went viral.
The reason behind the scrutiny stemmed from many people placing judgment on Bailey, who many tend to forget is a grown woman, for oversexualizing herself online by posting provocative photos and videos.
Chloe Bailey Talks Swarm Sex Scene
In a recent interview with Big Boy TV, Bailey opened up about the uproar surrounding the sex scene and how her male counterpart didn't receive any flack for it.
During the discussion, host Big Boy tried to understand all the commotion in Bailey's scene, which only showed a reflection of her nude body in the mirror, by saying he watched the show's clip at least three times to figure out what was wrong. The Grown-ish star shared that the only reason people were upset about that scene was not due to Swarm's plot but because it was her portraying the character.
"I'm an actress, you know, and I feel like it's about art. When I first received the script, I was just like (gasp). It was just insane and gorgeous. I think people are actually forgetting the plot of that scene,” Bailey said. “It's not about seeing me in the mirror of that scene, but because I think it's me doing it, that's what blows it out of proportion. But I'm barely seen for two seconds in that."
Chlöe Bailey comments on if Damson Idris received any backlash from 'Swarm' sex scene
As the conversation shifted to Idris, whose fully nude body was on display in the scene, and if he received any backlash, Bailey stated that because he is a man, no one passed any judgment.
"I don't think so. Because he's a man," she quipped. Although Idris has yet to comment on this, this revelation shows a double standard within the entertainment industry because, as Big Boy would point out, following Bailey's statement that the actor was being condemned for the same scene.
Later, Bailey would reiterate that she was simply doing her job despite what others may think or feel regarding the scene.
"But I'm an actress. I was doing my job, and I think people just have to kind of remember that I'm an adult and I'm an artist. Nothing was seen that they haven't seen from me."
(L-R) Damson Idris, Dominque Fishback, and Chlöe Bailey.
Photo by Arnold Turner
Chloe Bailey addresses how she felt reading the script and seeing the Swarm sex scene:
Bailey further proved her point that many individuals that negatively commented on the clip seemed to overlook the show's premise as she described her feelings toward initially reading the script and acknowledging that she had to participate in a sex scene.
While praising Idris and Dominique Fishback's performances in Swarm, Bailey said, "Well, because I'm an actress, I'm not reading it as Chlöe is going to a sex scene. I'm reading it as Marissa is in a scene, and her sister is watching."
"That's what people are forgetting. It's about the tension between Damson and Dom [Fishback], who did incredible acting in this show, and I was just seen in the reflection for two seconds," she added.
Big Boy would agree with Bailey's remarks and replied that the only people who would find fault with that scene were those who didn't watch the entire series and only saw the circulating clip.
This isn't the first time Bailey has discussed Swarm's sex scene. Earlier this month, during an interview with Deadline at South by South West (SXSW), she expressed that despite her persona on social media as a sexually liberated woman, she isn't that experienced and has only had a few partners.
Bailey went on to say that her co-star Idris helped her get comfortable with the sex scene by cracking jokes in between takes and having limited people on set.
Chlöe Bailey Speaks on Viral Swarm Scene, New Album, Donald Glover, Tour, and Sister | Interview
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While speaking to xoNecole, Eva shares that she’s a lot like the beloved 1994 character in many ways. “Lyric is so me. She's the odd flower. A flower nonetheless, but definitely not a peony,” she tells us.
“She's not the average flower you see presented, and so she reminds me of myself. I'm a sunflower, beautiful, but different. And what I loved about her character then, and even more so now, is that she was very sure of herself.
"Sure of what she wanted in life and okay to sacrifice her moments right now, to get what she knew she deserved later. And that is me. I'm not an instant gratification kind of a person. I am a long game. I'm not a sprinter, I'm a marathon.
America first fell in love with Eva when she graced our screens on cycle 3 of America’s Next Top Model in 2004, which she emerged as the winner. Since then, she's ventured into different avenues, from acting on various TV series like House of Payne to starring on Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Je-Caryous Johnson Entertainment
Eva praises her castmates and the play’s producer, Je’Caryous for her positive experience. “You know what? Je’Caryous fuels my audacity car daily, ‘cause I consider myself an extremely audacious woman, and I believe in what I know, even if no one else knows it, because God gave it to me. So I know what I know. That is who Je’Caryous is.”
But the mom of three isn’t the only one in the family who enjoys acting. Eva reveals her daughter Marley has also caught the acting bug.
“It is the most adorable thing you can ever see. She’s got a part in her school play. She's in her chorus, and she loves it,” she says. “I don't know if she loves it, because it's like, mommy does it, so maybe I should do it, but there is something about her.”
Overall, Eva hopes that her contribution to the role and the play as a whole serves as motivation for others to reach for the stars.
“I want them to walk out with hope. I want them to re-vision their dreams. Whatever they were. Whatever they are. To re-see them and then have that thing inside of them say, ‘You know what? I'm going to do that. Whatever dream you put on the back burner, go pick it up.
"Whatever dream you've accomplished, make a new dream, but continue to reach for the stars. Continue to reach for what is beyond what people say we can do, especially as [a] Black collective but especially as Black women. When it comes to us and who we are and what we accept and what we're worth, it's not about having seen it before. It's about knowing that I deserve it.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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Eldest Daughter Syndrome had its viral moment online last year, and for good reason. The term gave language to the silent pressures so many eldest daughters tend to carry as a result of their birth order. Beyond that very needed conversation, birth order as a whole can offer insight into not only our traits and tendencies, but also how we show up in life, love, and even our work.
Below, we’re breaking down the traits most commonly associated with each birth order. Keep reading to learn what your birth order might say about you.
If you are the oldest...
Let's be real, being the firstborn often comes with a lot of responsibility. And it's usually not by choice. From early on, they’re the ones who set the tone, carry the weight, and take on the title of "the responsible one." Because of that, they often grow into reliable, high-achieving adults. But the pressure of being "the blueprint" and the one to "lead by example" can also be a heavy burden to bear.
Oldest child traits may look like:
- Natural leaders that take charge even when they didn’t mean to (read: she's bossy, but keeping it cute)
- High standards (for yourself and everyone else)
- Motivated, goal-oriented, and always chasing that next accomplishment
- Reliable and conscientious
- Perfectionist tendencies that can lead to burnout
- Struggles with being controlling or micromanaging
- Often cautious, craving stability over spontaneity
- Finds it hard to rest or ask for help
If you are the middle child...
Season 2 Netflix GIF by Gilmore Girls GiphyIn the grand scheme of the birth order lineup, the middle child can be the quiet MVPs. As the child who falls in the order "in-between," they’re used to being the one who keeps the peace while also fighting to stand out. But being the “in-between” can also mean feeling overlooked or forgotten. In some families, especially ones with toxic dynamics, the middle child may even take on the role of the "black sheep," while their siblings are seen as the golden children. Still, despite (or maybe because of) that, middle children tend to thrive socially and can read a room like the back of their hand.
Middle child traits may include:
- Top-tier peacemakers who can smooth over almost any situation
- Adaptable and easygoing (even when they’re lowkey screaming inside)
- Often feel overlooked or like they have to do the most to be seen
- People-pleasers who put everyone else first
- Social butterflies and community-minded, with strong friendships outside the family
- Can be rebellious when they feel boxed in
- Thrive when they’re allowed to define success on their own terms
- The ultimate go-between, translating vibes between generations, personalities, and moods
If you are the youngest...
Season 1 Ff GIF by FreeformGiphyThe baby of the family walks through life knowing how to charm, persuade, and perform. They often grow up with more freedom and fewer expectations, which fuels their adventurous and carefree side. But that same freedom can sometimes lead to entitlement, or a tendency to seek validation by being the "fun one."
Youngest child traits might include:
- Social butterflies who light up a room and don’t mind the spotlight
- Natural charmers, funny, flirtatious, and usually down for anything
- Can be a little self-centered or attention-seeking (but you still love them for it)
- Tend to keep things uncomplicated… unless they’re not getting their way
- Known to be manipulative when trying to get what they want
- Free-spirited and bold in their choices
- Often underestimated, but capable of big things when they focus
- Thrive in spaces that let them express, explore, and be a little extra
If you are the only child...
High School Drama GIF by HBO MaxGiphyOnly children can be the ultimate "one woman show" as they are often a mix of all the birth orders rolled into one. Without siblings, they learn to entertain themselves, advocate for their needs, and navigate adult conversations early. That independence can make them magnetic, mature, and deeply introspective, but it also comes with a deep craving for validation and control.
Only child traits can include:
- Mature and wise beyond their years, often viewed as old souls
- Conscientious and responsible, usually the go-to person in their circle
- Seek approval and validation more than they let on
- Natural leaders with big ideas and even bigger plans
- Can be sensitive and deeply affected by criticism
- Prefer structure, routines, and control (sometimes to a fault)
- Like things done their way (and don’t love compromising)
- Thrive in solitude but still want to feel seen and celebrated
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