Actor Penn Badgley shared an awkward moment from his time on the set of the Netflix thriller/comedy show You.

The scene in question features Badgley’s character, Joe Goldberg, a serial killer, pleasuring himself while watching the “object of his affection.” Badgley recalled how uncomfortable he felt while filming the scene, especially since it took place on a street he used to live on.

Badgley explained on an episode of the Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend podcast, “So first of all, what’s interesting about this is it is on 19th Street in Gramercy, which is the first street I lived on in New York City.

“The added surreality for me is that it very much was like a neighborhood street for me.

“Like I was very much at home, but now surrounded by a film crew at like 11 pm at night.”

He went on to admit that he had some initial concerns about playing the role of Joe Goldberg, specifically not wanting to shy away from the character’s darker aspects.

Badgley noted that it could be challenging not to glorify the character’s actions on camera.

However, he also shared that the director had to step in and make some changes to the scene.

“There are two things that I did that were – and again – I don’t know what happened,” Badgley explained.

“I don’t remember what they use, so it may not be this way in the show.

“But what I did up until the director was like, you can’t do that anymore, is I was slow and my eyes were open.”

O’Brien couldn’t help but laugh at the story, joking that he liked how the director had to come over and tell Badgley to stop.

Badgley continued, saying that the director tried to be kind but ultimately had to ask him to close his eyes during the scene.

“It’s very intense to play this person,” Badgley said.

“And I was kind of already like, why, why? Why, why? Like, tell me why, why? You know, just being very principled.”

Despite feeling uncomfortable during the scene, Badgley joked that he is now “famous” for it.

He also shared that he was grateful to work with a director who was sensitive to his concerns and made sure he felt comfortable on set.

Badgley’s role as Joe Goldberg has received critical acclaim, with many praising his ability to embody such a complex and dark character.

The show has been renewed for a third season, and fans are eagerly anticipating what’s in store for the character.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Badgley shared his thoughts on why Joe Goldberg has resonated with audiences.

“I think there’s something about the way that we’re all kind of reaching out for connection and trying to figure out how to do it, and how to do it in a way that’s healthy and honest,” he said.

“But there’s also something about the way that we’re all kind of struggling to come to terms with the fact that we’re all a little bit crazy.”

Badgley’s performance in You has also helped to shed his previous image as a teen heartthrob from his time on the hit show Gossip Girl.

In an interview with The Guardian, he shared that he was grateful for the opportunity to take on a darker role.

“I was ready to play something different and I was ready to play something that was challenging in a different way,” he said.

“I was ready to work as an actor in a way that I hadn’t before.”