The latest episode of HBO’s “The White Lotus” has ignited a firestorm of reactions, primarily centered on an unexpected incestuous kiss between two brothers, portrayed by Sam Nivola and Patrick Schwarzenegger. The scene, featured in the fifth episode of the show’s third season, has left viewers shocked and sparked intense online discourse.
The episode, set against the backdrop of Thailand, builds upon earlier hints of a complex dynamic between the characters Lochlan (Nivola) and Saxon (Schwarzenegger). The scene in question depicts Lochlan and Saxon engaging in a passionate kiss while partying on a yacht with other characters, Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood) and Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon). The intimacy between the brothers was foreshadowed throughout the episode, as they grew increasingly close following alcohol consumption and the use of street drugs.
The reaction from viewers has been immediate and visceral. Social media platforms, particularly X and Reddit, have been flooded with comments expressing shock, disgust, and confusion. “OH MY GOD, did ‘The White Lotus’ just go THERE?” one user wrote on X. “Incest vibes, drugs, and a full-moon party from hell. My jaw is on the floor.” Another Reddit user described the scene as “the nastiest thing I’ve ever seen on HBO,” while others expressed hesitation about continuing to watch the series.
“White Lotus” rasa “House of The Dragon”… why HBO are so obsessed with incest? 😭😭😭 https://t.co/K6tRky5zIQ
— Simpenan Pejabat ™ (@BanyuSadewa) March 17, 2025
The scene has also generated discussions about the show’s intentions and the portrayal of sensitive themes. Some viewers have expressed concern about the romanticization of incest, particularly among certain online communities. “Today I discovered there’s an incest fetish corner of Twitter that’s going wild over this season of ‘The White Lotus,'” one user noted. Conversely, others found the scene less shocking, with one viewer commenting, “Maybe I spent too much time in frat houses in college, but I didn’t think the gay incest in last night’s episode of ‘White Lotus’ was that shocking.”
Executive producer David Bernad addressed the controversy, telling The New York Post that the scene was not included for mere shock value. He emphasized that series creator Mike White has a “specific reason” for the storyline, which will become clearer in subsequent episodes. “He is brilliant, and I think those big story turns are not just for shock,” Bernad said. “There’s a specific reason in terms of the narrative storytelling, and the larger thematic idea Mike is trying to get across.” He assured viewers that the storyline would “culminate in a very satisfying way.”
In interviews with The Hollywood Reporter, Nivola and Schwarzenegger provided further insights into their characters and the development of their storyline. Schwarzenegger described his character, Saxon, as a “douche bag” who is “so ridiculous, so without a filter,” yet also “really funny and charismatic.” He noted that Saxon “leads with his private parts,” possessing a high level of self-regard and a disregard for others.
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OH MY GOD, did The White Lotus just go THERE?. Episode 5 dropped a bombshell with Sam Rockwell’s wild arrival as a recovering addict turned Buddhist—BUT THAT KISS between brothers Saxon and Lochlan?! Incest vibes, drugs, and a full-moon party from hell. My jaw is on the floor.…
— AnKit DuBey (@AnkitDubeyMBY) March 17, 2025
Nivola characterized Lochlan as an “incredibly insecure people-pleaser” who “needs love and support from the people around him.” He suggested that Lochlan is willing to “go to all the lengths” to find love and acceptance, regardless of the path he takes. “I don’t think Lochlan really gives a shit which path he goes down,” Nivola said. “I think it’s more that he’s going to choose whichever path feels like it’s with the person who loves him the most.”
Schwarzenegger also discussed the physical aspects of his role, revealing that he and Mike White worked on developing Saxon’s “physicality.” He explained that Saxon “thinks he’s good-looking and has a great body and that all the girls are looking at him.”
The controversial scene has reignited discussions about the boundaries of television storytelling and the portrayal of complex and potentially taboo relationships. While some viewers have expressed outrage and disgust, others have praised the show for its willingness to explore challenging themes. The debate surrounding the episode underscores the power of television to provoke strong emotional responses and spark important conversations. The shows ability to create a talking point, and to create controversy, is something that the production team is aware of, and is something that helps promote the show. As the season progresses, viewers will be watching closely to see how the storyline unfolds and what thematic messages it ultimately conveys.
