Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 15, 2025 · Entertainment

Pedro Pascal's Hug That Backfired: A-Star Dodges Starry Embrace

PEDRO PASCAL'S TOUCHY-FEELY FIASCO: A-LISTER ADAM SCOTT SEEMS LESS THAN THRILLED BY THE LAST OF US STAR'S PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION

In a cringe-worthy encounter that has left fans gagging, Pedro Pascal's signature enthusiasm for physical affection appears to have backfired spectacularly on the red carpet of this year's Emmy Awards. The 50-year-old actor, known for his breakout roles in Game of Thrones and The Last of Us, was seen engaging in a very awkward exchange with fellow nominee Adam Scott at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.

Pascal, who turned up to the event dressed to impress in an all-white ensemble and statement sunglasses, seemed oblivious to the tension in the air as he threw his arms around Scott's torso for a full-bodied hug. But it quickly became clear that Scott was not here for it.

Before taking his seat in the auditorium, The Last of Us actor endured a very awkward run in with Severance star Adam Scott

A VERY PUBLIC DISCOMFORT ZONE

According to body language expert Judi James, who has analyzed the clip of the exchange, Adam Scott's initial greeting of Pedro Pascal on the arm was a subtle attempt to get his attention. However, when Pascal spun around and lunged in for a hug, Scott quickly "put on the brakes" by placing his hands on Pascal's shoulders.

But that wasn't enough to stop Pascal's relentless advances, as he continued to try and envelop Scott in a bear hug. Meanwhile, Scott resorted to some clever non-verbal cues to disengage from the awkward encounter, including taking a step back and attempting to restore distance between them.

The pair's exchange, which was recorded before the show got underway, seemed a little tense, according to a body language expert

In an effort to break free from Pascal's grasp, Scott even went so far as to clap his hands in front of his torso, as if trying to signal to Pascal that it was time to move on. The final straw came when Scott patted Pascal on the arm with one hand, almost as if saying "goodbye" and "please leave me alone."

PEDRO'S TOUCHY-FEELY PROBLEM

This isn't the first time Pedro Pascal has found himself at the center of controversy over his public displays of affection. In recent weeks, the actor has gone viral for a series of run-ins with female stars, including Willem Dafoe's wife and Fantastic Four: First Steps co-star Vanessa Kirby.

When Pedro spun around and lunged straight in for a hug, Adam immediately 'put on the brakes,' Judi James exclusively told the Daily Mail

While some fans have described these interactions as "creepy," Pascal has been open about his struggles with anxiety throughout his career. He recently revealed in an interview with Men's Health that he has learned to cope with anxiety through human interaction, specifically by engaging in more frequent phone calls and FaceTimes with friends and loved ones.

IS PASCAL'S NEED FOR AFFECTION A SIGN OF SOMETHING DEEPER?

While Pascal's enthusiasm for physical affection may be genuine, some experts have suggested that his behavior could be a cry for help. By constantly seeking out human touch and validation in public settings, Pascal may be inadvertently sending the message that he is uncomfortable with his own skin or struggles with social anxiety.

As the entertainment industry continues to grapple with issues of consent and personal boundaries, Pascal's behavior raises important questions about the limits of physical affection in professional settings. While it's clear that Pascal is a warm and caring individual, his interactions with Scott on the red carpet suggest that he may need to work on respecting people's personal space.

Only time will tell if Pascal will take steps to address these concerns and develop healthier boundaries in his relationships. Until then, fans can't help but wonder: is Pedro Pascal's touchy-feely nature a blessing or a curse?