Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, “Heated Rivalry”
An online firestorm of controversy has erupted after actor Jordan Firstman (I Love LA, Rotting in the Sun) sharply criticized the intimate scenes in the hit HBO Max/Crave series, Heated Rivalry, prompting a defense from the cast.
The drama began earlier this week when Firstman was asked in a Vulture profile about the difference between the “casual” sex tape storyline in his own series, I Love LA, and the more dramatic scenes in Heated Rivalry.
Heated Rivalry stars Hudson Williams (as Shane Hollander) and Connor Storrie (as Ilya Rozanov) as rival ice hockey players who develop a secret, passionate connection.
Firstman, who is gay and is known for having filmed unsimulated sex scenes in his 2023 film Rotting in the Sun, did not hold back, stating that the hockey romance’s sex scenes were “just not gay. It’s not how gay people f***.”
He went further, accusing the lead actors of being worried about their careers and suggesting the show caters to audiences who “just want entertainment or to see two straight hockey players pretending to be gay.”
Firstman’s comments sparked immediate fan backlash, which soon drew responses from the Heated Rivalry cast, notably François Arnaud, who plays Scott Hunter.
Arnaud challenged Firstman’s definition of authenticity, commenting on an Instagram post sharing the controversy:
“Is there only one way to have ‘authentic’ gay sex on TV? Should the sex that closeted hockey players have look like the sex that sceney LA gay guys have?”
Hudson Williams later weighed in, resharing Arnaud’s pointed defense on his Instagram Stories. While supporting his co-star, Williams took a generous approach toward Firstman:
“But truly go watch I Love LA! Jordan and the cast are great!!”
Following the significant backlash from fans and the cast’s measured response, Firstman appeared to soften his stance. Posting to his Instagram Stories, he issued a retraction:
“I love Heated Rivalry and ultimately I’m a f***ot who can’t shut the f*** up but I’m gunna get better at that.”
The drama comes as Heated Rivalry—which follows the intense, secret romance of the two hockey stars—has been an international hit, having already secured an early renewal for a second season.
