Cote de Pablo, who famously portrayed Ziva David on NCIS, recently gave a candid interview about her experiences filming romantic scenes with co-star Michael Weatherly, who played Tony DiNozzo. In a surprising revelation, de Pablo described one particular on-screen kiss as “vile,” shedding light on the often awkward realities behind the scenes of the hit procedural drama.

De Pablo explained that while she and Weatherly share a strong professional rapport and mutual respect, filming intimate scenes can be unexpectedly uncomfortable. “It’s strange when you have to perform something so personal in front of a crew, cameras, and lights,” she said. Her comments highlight the challenges actors face in balancing on-screen chemistry with off-screen professionalism.

Fans of the show have long admired the iconic Tony and Ziva relationship, often celebrating their on-screen romance as one of the series’ most compelling storylines. However, de Pablo’s remarks offer a reminder that even beloved television romances come with their own set of behind-the-scenes challenges.

Despite describing the experience as “vile,” de Pablo emphasized that her working relationship with Weatherly remained positive throughout their time on NCIS. The actress’ honesty provides a rare glimpse into the realities of performing complex emotional and intimate scenes on a major television set, giving fans a new appreciation for the professionalism required to bring such characters to life.