François Arnaud responds to Jordan Firstman’s criticism of 'Heated Rivalry' intimacy

Arnaud defends the portrayal of gay intimacy in 'Heated Rivalry' after Firstman calls it unrealistic

François Arnaud, star of HBO Max and Crave’s Heated Rivalry, has responded to criticism from Jordan Firstman regarding the show’s sex scenes. Firstman, known for I Love LA, said in a Vulture interview that the series did not accurately depict gay sex.

Arnaud, who plays ice hockey player Scott Hunter on the Canadian sports romance, addressed the remarks on Instagram, writing, “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?”

Co-star Hudson Williams, who portrays one of the leading men, appeared to support Arnaud by resharing the statement on his Instagram Story. He added a message of appreciation for Firstman, writing, “But truly go watch ‘I Love LA!’ Jordan and the cast are great!!”

Heated Rivalry, based on the “Game Changers” book series, follows two hockey players, played by Williams and Connor Storrie, as they navigate a secret romance spanning years. Despite Firstman’s comments, the series has become an international hit, securing a second season on Crave and HBO Max.

Justin Stockman, vice president of content and programming at Bell Media, one of the production companies behind the series, said, “Heated Rivalry represents the very best of what Canadian creators can deliver: rich characters, compelling drama and a world audiences want to live in. The response has been extraordinary, and seeing the series now travelling internationally is an incredible milestone.”

“I Love LA” has also performed strongly for HBO, achieving high viewership and its own renewal. New episodes of Heated Rivalry air Fridays on Crave and HBO Max, while “I Love LA” episodes release Sundays at 10:30 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

Arnaud and Williams’ statements reflect the show’s effort to present authentic experiences while recognising the diverse ways intimacy is represented on screen.