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

Margo Stilley has defended filming an unsimulated sex scene, explaining she's 'proud' of the controversial movie.

Back in 2004, Stilley starred in a film alongside Kieran O'Brien, in which the pair took part in a real-life, unsimulated intimate scene.

'Unsimulated sex' refers to scenes in which the actors are actually having intercourse, as opposed to acting.

Although rare, there have been a number of films over the years that have used them, including The Brown Bunny, released in 2003, and 2008 flick, Little Ashes.

Despite some of the controversy, Stilley has always defended her decision to film the real-life sex scene in her first movie, 9 Songs.

The romantic drama focused on the intense relationship and sexual encounters between Lisa, a college student, and Matt, an English scientist.

The film's creators made the decision to have unsimulated sex scenes in the movie, but that certainly ended up being a controversial one.

In fact, it's now known for being 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.

Stilley shortly after the movie was released (Alison Buck/WireImage)

Despite the controversy, Stilley has always stood by her decision to take part in the scene.

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.

"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 explain that she didn't feel she had 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."

The movie featured an unsimulated sex scene (StudioCanal)

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.