White Lotus Executive Defends Controversial Brotherly Kiss Scene

The show's creators and actors explain the narrative and thematic purpose of the provocative moment in Season 3 Episode 5.

The kiss between brothers Saxon and Lochlan in Episode 5 of The White Lotus Season 3 has drawn significant attention and online discussion.
Executive producer David Bernad emphasized that the scene serves a larger narrative purpose and is not included merely for shock value.
Actors Patrick Schwarzenegger and Sam Nivola shared differing reactions to filming the scene, reflecting its complexity and the challenges involved.
The kiss is portrayed as influenced by external factors in the storyline, including drug use, peer pressure, and heightened emotional dynamics.
Fans and media have responded with a mix of shock, discomfort, and memes, with Patrick Schwarzenegger engaging with some of the jokes on social media.