'Heated Rivalry' Star Hudson Williams Details C*ck Sock Use in Intimate Scenes on Podcast

Hudson Williams, the 24-year-old actor portraying gay hockey player Shane Hollander in HBO's breakout series Heated Rivalry, appeared on the SHUT UP EVAN podcast hosted by Evan Ross Katz, where a follow-up episode released around January 27, 2026, delved into the logistics of filming nude and intimate scenes.

Williams jokingly claimed, “I do the whole show in a pussy toupee,” before clarifying that he actually used a “cock sock,” which he likened to “a ballet slipper meets a Crown Royal bag.” He explained the application process in detail: “You have to dip in, get the balls first... shove the schwanz down... Cinch, tie, and then tuck in and don’t try to pull it off because god your stomach will hurt.”

The actor credited his co-star Connor Storrie, who plays Ilya Rozanov—Shane's on-ice rival and eventual lover—with demonstrating its use effectively. Williams recounted that he and Storrie “broke the ice by trying this on in front of each other with Jacob and Chala,” referring to director Jacob Tierney and intimacy coordinator Chala Hunter. Although Tierney and Hunter reportedly said participants did not need to show them, Storrie emerged confidently, strutting to demonstrate it worked after Williams struggled initially.

This candid exchange underscores the professional protocols for actors portraying LGBTQ+ characters in intimate contexts, emphasizing the role of intimacy coordinators in fostering safety and trust. Williams also noted that some pubic hair was visible in shots, prompting him to shave, though he personally prefers non-hairless grooming for a natural look. He advocated for hygiene, including trimming butt hair “even if you’re not participating in anal sex,” stating, “You just want to clean that shoot.”

Heated Rivalry, adapted from Rachel Haimowitz and Rachel Reid's novel, follows the enemies-to-lovers romance between two gay hockey players, featuring significant nudity that has drawn attention for its authentic depiction of queer relationships. Williams' podcast revelations come amid his rising profile, including a Dsquared2 runway walk and interactions with models like Abby Champion and Yasmin Wijnaldum. In a separate Wonderland Magazine interview on January 28, 2026, he addressed unrelated online backlash over alleged fake Letterboxd reviews attributed to him, calling it his first encounter with “fake news.”

For LGBTQ+ audiences, Williams' openness normalizes the behind-the-scenes realities of portraying queer intimacy on screen, potentially demystifying production processes and highlighting supportive measures like intimacy coordination. The podcast segment, prompted partly by a question from Traitors star Gabby Windey about handling nudity, transitioned from serious topics like Williams' acting inspirations from Michelle Williams to this humorous tutorial. Katz praised Williams' versatility, noting his emotional range during the episode.

The event has sparked lighthearted online buzz across LGBTQ+ media, with coverage emphasizing the actors' camaraderie in tackling vulnerable scenes. No official statements from HBO, Tierney, or Hunter were reported in connection to the podcast remarks.