Decline in Pedro Pascal’s Popularity Due to “Disturbing” Touching
According to CinemaDrame news agency, Pedro Pascal has faced a wave of criticism on social media over his touching of fellow actors. Recently, multiple videos of the Fantastic Four: First Steps actor have resurfaced showing him touching those around him in a seemingly intimate way. Social media has filled with memes about Pascal’s “anxiety touches,” with some claiming his behavior is excessive and makes other actors uncomfortable.
The debate intensified after a video from an interview with Pascal and Vanessa Kirby—the pregnant actress from Fantastic Four—showed the two hugging and touching each other throughout their press tour. In the film, Pascal and Kirby play Reed Richards and Sue Storm, aka Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman, who have a child together.
The Daily Mail reported that Pascal is currently single in real life, while Kirby is expecting her first child with Paul Rabil. In one interview, Kirby touches Pascal’s ear in a way some viewers considered excessive for a married, pregnant woman. Another video shows Willem Dafoe’s expression change noticeably when he sees Pascal touching his wife’s chin.
The Last of Us actor previously told Men’s Health magazine that touching others helps him manage anxiety. In an interview on Jake’s Take, Pascal specifically said about Kirby, “We always hold onto each other to remind one another that none of us are alone in any of these events.”
However, many social media users do not believe Pascal’s claim and even label him a “harasser.” One wrote, “This entire press tour is beyond disturbing.” Another questioned the “anxiety” explanation, saying, “I wonder why Pedro Pascal never gets ‘anxiety’ around his male co-stars.” On the other hand, some defend Pascal, noting he has behaved similarly with Oscar Isaac. These supporters see the attacks as a campaign aimed at tarnishing Pascal’s reputation.
Isaac caused a similar controversy two years ago on the red carpet of the series Scenes From A Marriage, when he exhibited the same behavior with Jessica Chastain.
