Who Is Josh Safdie? Hollywood Scandal Erupts Over Shocking Scene Where Teen Was Assaulted During Safdie Brothers' Filming

Josh Safdie, once celebrated as half of Hollywood's hottest indie director duo with his brother Benny, now finds himself at the centre of a storm. The American filmmaker, recently nominated for four Oscars for his solo feature Marty Supreme, is being scrutinised over a controversial 2017 incident that allegedly contributed to the split of the Safdie brothers and exposed troubling practices on the set of Good Time.

Josh Safdie began his career alongside Benny, gaining international recognition for crime thrillers such as Good Time and Uncut Gems. The duo's gritty, high-octane style captured audiences and critics alike, cementing their reputation as indie auteurs.

Josh Safdie's Rise and Solo Success

Following the 2023 dissolution of their creative partnership, Josh embarked on a solo path. His 2025 film Marty Supreme, starring Timothée Chalamet as a 1950s table tennis champion, became a critical and commercial hit. By January 2026, Safdie earned Academy Award nominations for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay, with the film securing nine nods overall, including Best Picture.

Through his production company Central Pictures, Josh has also executive produced projects like the 2026 revival of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. He continues to collaborate with long-term creative partner Ronald Bronstein, while his roster of actor collaborators includes Adam Sandler, Robert Pattinson, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Julia Fox, who he famously helped launch into stardom.

The Controversial Scene On 'Good Time'

The tension between Josh and Benny Safdie, which erupted publicly in 2023, has been traced back to a troubling set incident during Good Time. Sources reveal that a 17-year-old actress was cast to play a prostitute in a crime thriller scene involving nudity and simulated sexual activity with actor Buddy Duress.

Allegedly, Josh, as the director, allowed the scene to proceed while monitoring the shoot. Benny, operating as the boom operator, claimed he was unaware of the details unfolding. During the scene, Duress, reportedly under the influence, exposed himself and asked the actress if 'he could stick it in' as cameras continued to roll. Although the scene was ultimately cut before the film's release, the revelations resurfaced in legal disputes with former producer Sebastian Bear-McClard.

This dark episode has haunted Hollywood insiders for years, fueling speculation about the reasons behind the Safdie brothers' split. The scandal has cast a shadow over Josh's recent accolades and raises questions about on-set oversight and responsibility.

Hollywood Reaction and Industry Speculation

Since the story emerged publicly, industry observers have debated the brothers' handling of the situation. Josh's success with Marty Supreme has intensified scrutiny, especially as Benny's film The Smashing Machine received no Oscar nominations.

Rumours had swirled about creative differences, strikes, and even political tensions, but insiders now point to the 2017 incident as the true catalyst. While neither brother appears blameless, the episode highlights larger concerns about the treatment of young performers and ethical boundaries in filmmaking.

The Future for Josh Safdie

Despite the controversy, Josh Safdie continues to solidify his solo career. Marty Supreme proves his ability to create compelling cinema independently of Benny, and his production company shows ambitions beyond directing alone. Yet, the shadow of the 2017 scene lingers, raising difficult questions for audiences and the industry alike about accountability and safeguarding performers.

As Hollywood reckons with both the scandal and Safdie's achievements, Josh remains a polarising figure: a visionary director capable of Oscar-calibre work, yet embroiled in a controversy that may define his legacy.