Oscar-Winning Director Sean Baker Faces Backlash Over Comments on Sex Workers

Sean Baker, the acclaimed director behind the Oscar-winning film "Anora," has ignited controversy among Korean netizens with his remarks on sex work.

Despite recent accolades at the Oscars, where his film secured five major awards, Baker's past comments resurfaced, drawing criticism for his perspective on the industry.

During last year's Cannes Film Festival, Baker discussed his upcoming project centered around a sex worker, advocating for the decriminalization of sex work. He emphasized portraying sex work as a legitimate form of labor, advocating for autonomy over one's body without legal restrictions.

Baker stated, "It’s important to explore what sex work is in the modern age and how it applies in a capitalist society; it’s a job, a livelihood, it’s a job, it’s a career, and it should be respected. In my opinion, I’m speaking for myself to be decriminalized and not in any way regulated. It’s a sex worker’s body … it’s their body, and it’s up to them to decide how to use it in their livelihood."

While Baker's comments found support internationally, they sparked outrage among Korean netizens who accused him of overlooking the realities of exploitation and trafficking within the sex industry. Many criticized Western film festivals for promoting narratives that potentially romanticize an industry marred by ethical dilemmas.

The backlash underscores differing cultural perspectives on sensitive social issues and highlights ongoing debates surrounding the portrayal of sex work in media. Critics argue that Baker's stance fails to address systemic issues and perpetuates misconceptions about the complexities of sex work.

• Then men should just sell sex to each other. That matches the actual demand for prostitution.”
• “Why don’t you have your own kid do it?”“
• Men disguising human rights violations and exploitation as ‘labor’—disgusting. And Western white men in the first world handing out awards for this kind of thing? Absolutely vile.”
• “You do it yourself.”
• “Disgusting. Even the prestigious film festivals that hand out trophies to movies like this are repulsive.”

Baker's advocacy for decriminalization continues to provoke discussion on the role of filmmakers in shaping societal attitudes towards controversial subjects. His upcoming film's portrayal of a sex worker is expected to further fuel debate on representation and ethics in cinema.