Off Campus star Ella Bright addresses the Hannah and Allie nudity debate, reveals why the characters were portrayed differently: ‘Imagine having to explain the obvious’

The internet is devouring Off Campus, and we love to see it. Prime Video has managed to bring the The Summer I Turned Pretty frenzy back with the new show. Simping over the lead characters? Check. Instagram edits? Check. Build-up for Season 2? Double check.

However, in another corner of the internet, a weird debate has taken over. Fans have been comparing the nudity between the two actresses: Ella Bright, who plays Hannah Wells, and Mika Abdalla, who stars as Allie Hayes. Many are asking why there is such a visible difference in how the two characters are portrayed on screen. While Mika has multiple topless scenes in the series, Hannah is almost always covered.


Now, Ella, who is just 19 btw, has finally broken her silence on the comparison. She probably should not have had to address it in the first place, but the discourse became impossible to ignore.

Addressing the online debate surrounding the difference in nudity between Hannah and Allie in Off Campus, Ella Bright explained on the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast hosted by Amanda Hirsch that the creative decision was always tied to the personalities and storylines of the characters.

According to Bright, creator Louisa Levy’s vision from the very beginning was that Hannah would only have partial nudity, while Allie’s role would involve full nudity because Allie is portrayed as someone who is extremely confident, comfortable in her body, and openly connected to her sexuality. “Honestly, this just shows the difference between these characters,” Bright explained during the conversation.


She further added that Hannah’s more reserved nature and personal backstory were reflected through her styling and presentation throughout the show. Bright described Hannah as someone who dresses more innocently, often wearing “skinny jeans and hoodies,” which was meant to highlight the contrast between the two female leads. According to the actress, that distinction had always been part of the plan from the start.

Bright also clarified that every actress auditioning for the roles was fully informed about the nudity expectations beforehand and understood exactly what they were agreeing to.

Reacting to the online discourse, podcast host Amanda Hirsch admitted she did not understand why the debate had become such a big issue. Bright agreed, responding, “Me neither. But anyway, it’s the internet.”

Not everyone online was confused by the difference in nudity between Hannah and Allie, though. Many longtime fans of the books argued that the contrast between the two characters had always been obvious and completely in line with the original story.

One fan wrote, “Only someone who hasn’t actually read the books would question that.” Another commented, “Imagine having to explain the obvious because there are people who don’t get it, or pretend not to.”


Others pointed out that Hannah and Allie are intentionally written very differently. “Hannah has an innocence and an inhibition that Allie doesn’t have. No need to explain,” one viewer remarked.

However, not everyone agreed with the explanation entirely. Some fans speculated that practical industry reasons may also have played a role in the decision. “No, just say it directly. Since the girl is only 19, there won’t be any nudity in her contract,” one user claimed online.

Meanwhile, several viewers sympathised with Ella for having to address the discourse at all. “Damn, the woman having to explain the obvious,” another fan wrote.

Off Campus is now streaming on Prime Video.