AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today November 2, 2026
Hudson Williams Takes the Spotlight on The Assembly Season 2
Hudson Williams, known for his role as Shane Hollander in Heated Rivalry, was interviewed by a group of autistic and neurodivergent participants in the second season of The Assembly on CBC. The episode delved into personal topics ranging from tattoos and friendships, to his experiences with ADHD and handling public controversies.
The Stories Behind Hudson Williams' Tattoos
At the start of the episode, Williams gave viewers a "tattoo tour," highlighting several pieces created by his tattoo-artist girlfriend, Katelyn Larson. Among these are a pair of cherries just above his left elbow and, notably, an outline of a set of teeth on his shoulder. Williams explained that this tattoo represents the underbite of his late dog, Jesse Skywalker Williams, who lived to 17.
The Nature of His Bond with Connor Storrie
One candid moment arose when interviewer Nate asked about Williams' relationship with his Heated Rivalry co-star, Connor Storrie. Williams described them as "platonic soulmates," affirming a deep, loving friendship that remains non-romantic. He joked about wishing Storrie could be with him even during everyday moments, like showering, to help with hard-to-reach spots, underlining the practical closeness of their bond. This discussion also resonated with some of the neurodivergent interviewers, who shared their own experiences of deep friendships.
Viewing Sex Scenes with Family and Friends
Williams spoke about how he felt as people close to him watched the intimate scenes in Heated Rivalry. Not only was he untroubled, he even hosted a screening with friends and his mother. To lighten the atmosphere, friends blew party horns during provocative moments. When the horns stopped, his mother knew it was safe to watch again, turning what could have been an awkward situation into a playful memory.
Clarifying Online Controversy About Victoria
Williams addressed a recent controversy stemming from comments he made about Victoria while filming Yaga in March. His description of the city as "dead as f**k" and "full of old people" caused some debate online. In the interview, Williams clarified the remarks were taken out of context and not intended as an insult, emphasizing that learning about public scrutiny is part of his experience as a public figure.
Reflections on ADHD and Cultural Expectations
Answering a question from interviewer Julia about how his Korean background shaped his ADHD experience, Williams discussed his past struggles with focus in class and the cultural pressure to address challenges through more discipline. He reflected that this mindset, while sometimes useful, can mean denying one’s needs or withholding self-kindness. Williams shared his experience with ADHD medication and the internal conflict created by cultural values urging him to "just work harder." He acknowledged the value of recognizing and accepting ADHD, rather than trying to overcome it solely through discipline.
Parting Message from the Heated Rivalry Star
The episode concluded with Williams sharing the central message of Heated Rivalry: "You deserve the best love story and the best romance story in your life — no matter who you are." The episode offered numerous heartfelt moments and is available, along with a longer producer’s cut, on CBC's Gem streaming platform.
Source: cbc.ca.
