The latest episode of The White Lotus has sparked intense debate among viewers, particularly over a shocking and controversial scene featuring two brothers, Saxon and Lochlan Ratliff, sharing an incestuous kiss.
The unsettling moment, which aired on Sunday as part of the show’s third season, left many fans feeling disgusted and disturbed.
Producer Explains the Creative Choice
David Bernad, the producer of The White Lotus, has come forward to defend the scene, insisting that it wasn’t just included for shock value.
Speaking to The New York Post, Bernad explained that the choice to include the kiss was part of the larger narrative being told by creator Mike White.
According to Bernad, the decision wasn’t made for sensationalism but for deeper thematic purposes within the story.
Bernad emphasized that “Mike is brilliant,” and the plot twist involving the brothers serves a larger purpose that will become clearer as the season progresses.
He assured fans that the story would reach a satisfying conclusion and that the brotherly dynamic plays an important role in the show’s exploration of family relationships.
The Controversial Plot Develops
The storyline began in the season premiere when Lochlan, who had previously been shown obsessively watching his brother Saxon, began to develop an increasingly disturbing connection with him.
In the latest episode, the two brothers are partying with friends Chloe and Chelsea, and after some playful teasing, they share a kiss.
Saxon, who appears to be under the influence of drugs, is visibly confused by the kiss, which further adds to the tension.
Social media erupted after the episode aired, with fans expressing their discomfort.
Many took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to share their reactions, calling the scene “gross” and accusing The White Lotus of pushing boundaries too far.
Some viewers questioned why the show would include such an intimate moment between brothers, with one user remarking, “Why is everyone suddenly pro-incest?”
A Familiar Territory for HBO Shows
While many viewers were disturbed by the scene, some defended it by pointing to other HBO shows that have also dealt with incestuous plotlines, such as Game of Thrones.
They argued that HBO has explored similar themes in the past, so this may not be as shocking as it seems.
This season of The White Lotus is set in Thailand, where the Ratliff family, including patriarch Timothy (played by Jason Isaacs), is vacationing.
Timothy brought his family to Thailand for a mix of personal and professional reasons, including his daughter Piper’s college thesis.
The family dynamic plays a key role in the season’s drama, but it’s the brothers’ relationship that is stealing the spotlight, for better or worse.
What’s Next for the Ratliff Family?
As the season continues, it remains to be seen how the storyline involving Saxon and Lochlan will unfold.
Will Chloe become involved with one of the brothers? How will the rest of the family react to the growing tension between the siblings? Fans are eager to see where The White Lotus takes them next, though some might be hoping the show dials down its more uncomfortable moments.
For now, viewers can catch new episodes of The White Lotus on HBO in the U.S. and Sky Atlantic in the U.K., with episodes streaming on NOW.
With each passing week, the show continues to push boundaries and leave audiences talking.