Kat Dennings Says She Refused a Bra Scene on ‘2 Broke Girls’
Kat Dennings, known for her role as Max on ‘2 Broke Girls,’ disclosed that she refused to film a scene where her character and co‑star Beth Behrs wore only bras. She argued the pay was insufficient for such a scene, and the request was ultimately dropped. The incident highlights early career negoti…
By Felo News Desk · Published
In a candid TikTok interview, actress Kat Dennings shared a behind‑the‑scenes story from her time on the beloved CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls. She revealed that she once declined to film a scene in which her character, Max, and co‑star Beth Behrs’ character, Caroline, were to appear wearing only bras. Dennings said the decision was driven by a belief that the pay for the scene did not justify the exposure and that she was uncomfortable with the portrayal of her body on camera.
What Happened on Set?
During a table read for an early season episode—most likely in the first or second season—Dennings approached the showrunner, Michael Patrick King, to discuss the proposed bra‑only sequence. She requested that the scene be removed or that the characters wear clothing. When King insisted that the scene was essential, Dennings replied, "You don’t pay me enough for a bra scene," and the scene was subsequently taken out of the final cut.
The episode in question was a typical episode of the show, which followed two waitresses in a Brooklyn diner. The characters were often shown in humorous, over‑the‑top situations, but the bra scene was a departure from the usual comedic tone. Dennings’ refusal highlighted a tension between creative vision and the financial realities of early‑career actors.
Early Career and Negotiation Power
When Dennings first joined the cast of 2 Broke Girls in 2011, she was a young actress still building her résumé. At that time, she admitted she did not have significant leverage to negotiate terms or refuse a line of work. The show’s success, however, gave her a platform that she later used to advocate for better treatment of actresses on set.
In a 2025 interview with People, Dennings reflected on her early experiences with body image criticism. She recalled how her manager would often give her feedback that she was “not pretty enough” or “fat,” which added to her discomfort with a scene that could be perceived as exploitative.
Impact on the Show and Audience Reception
While the scene was ultimately removed, the incident sparked conversations among fans and industry observers about the treatment of women in television. Some viewers praised Dennings for standing up for herself, while others questioned whether the scene was necessary for the storyline.
Despite the controversy, 2 Broke Girls continued to enjoy strong ratings, debuting with nearly 20 million viewers in its first season and running for six seasons with over 130 episodes. The show’s humor and relatable characters kept audiences engaged, and Dennings’ decision did not appear to harm the series’ popularity.
What Happens Next?
Since leaving the show, Dennings has spoken more openly about body image and the importance of agency for actors. She has used her platform to encourage younger performers to advocate for themselves, especially when dealing with potentially exploitative scenes.
While no official statements have been released by CBS or the show’s production team regarding the incident, the conversation has continued in fan forums and social media, with many praising Dennings for her courage and calling for more transparency in casting and production practices.
As the entertainment industry evolves, incidents like Dennings’ refusal serve as a reminder of the ongoing need for fair compensation and respectful treatment of all performers.
Key facts
- Kat Dennings refused a bra‑only scene on ‘2 Broke Girls’
- She cited insufficient pay and body‑image concerns
- The scene was removed after her request
- The incident sparked discussions about exploitation in TV
- It reflects the need for fair negotiation power for actors
Why it matters
The story underscores the challenges actors face when negotiating pay and body autonomy, especially early in their careers. It also highlights the broader industry conversation about fair treatment and representation on screen.
Frequently asked questions
Did the scene ever air?
No, the bra‑only scene was removed from the final episode.
What was the show’s response?
CBS and the production team did not issue a public statement about the incident.
Has Kat Dennings spoken about similar experiences?
Yes, she has discussed body image and industry pressures in multiple interviews.
How did fans react?
Reactions were mixed; some praised her stance, others questioned the necessity of the scene.
What does this mean for future productions?
It highlights the importance of fair pay and respectful treatment of actors.
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Kat Dennings reveals ‘2 Broke Girls’ scene she refused to film: ‘They weren’t paying me enough’ for that”
