‘Proud’ actress defends filming real-life sex scenes for controversial film

Margo Stilley has defended one of her most controversial acting credits, saying it hasn’t negatively affected her career.

Being an actor can prove quite difficult for many people as they can struggle to get work or if they do they are typecast in their roles.

Margo Stilley doesn’t feel she falls into either category though, and has defended her decision to film a real-life sex scene in her first film.

Margot Stilley doesn't regret filming a real sex scene for her first film. (David M Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Annabel's)

Since her first acting role in 2004, Stilley has gone on to appear in several films and TV shows, but she also isn’t afraid of discussing one of her most controversial roles.

In the 2004 film, 9 songs, she starred alongside Kieran O'Brien in a poorly received romantic drama that focused on the intense relationship and sexual encounters between a college student and an English scientist.

Stilley was the student in the movie and the film was able to build up a reputation one of the most explicit mainstream movies ever thanks to the fact it featured real-life sex, as opposed to simulated encounters.

In one infamous scene, O'Brien actually ejaculates on camera.

With a rating of just 24 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, 9 Songs isn't exactly beloved by movie fans and, in fact, earned criticism for its numerous sex scenes, which one reviewer described as 'exceedingly boring'.

However, Stilley has stood by her decision to actually perform on camera despite the fact it left people 'really angry' with her.

In a 2008 interview with the Irish Examiner, she explained: "When I did press conferences people would shout abuse at me."

Stilley described being called a 'wh**e' and a 'sl*t', adding: "People ask me if I felt that [director] Michael Winterbottom took advantage of me because I hadn't acted before, but they forget that I developed the character."

When asked about people's reactions, Stilley pointed out that the movie was 'about love and sex', adding: "It wasn't porn. I mean, I had sex with my boyfriend last night and that wasn't porn."

Stilley has stood by her decision to actually perform on camera, despite the fact it left people 'really angry' with her. (StudioCanal UK/Revolution Films)

"It was just hot sex! 9 Songs was a real film about love and sex, and I wanted to do that film and I am proud of it."

Despite being thrust into the spotlight thanks to 9 Songs, Stilley went on to assure that she doesn't feel she has been 'typecast' as a result.

"I honestly can say it hasn't affected my career," she said. "I don't get seen only for roles as women who have sex a lot."

Prior to becoming an actor, Stilley worked as a model after leaving her home in North Carolina and flying to Milan.

She later ended up in London, where she landed a part in an Israeli advertisement through a modelling contact.