White Lotus boss defends Patrick Schwarzenegger incest scene after claims show went 'too far'

Over two years since the ‘gays were trying to kill’ Tanya in season two, The White Lotus is back on our screens and isn’t without its weird and wonderful moments.

So far, fans have been shook by the return of Greg (now Gary, apparently) with monkey symbolism used throughout as tension ramps up in Thailand.

Of course, it wouldn’t be the HBO show without a bit (well, quite a bit) of nudity and we’ve already had an eyeful of Patrick Schwarzenegger as Saxon Ratliff as well as his on-screen dad, Jason Isaacs as Timothy.

And the latest episode saw quite the development in that family as Saxon kissed his little brother Lochlan (Sam Nivola).

But some viewers think the rather out-there show took it ‘too far’ with that spot of incestual action while producer David Bernard defends it.

We’d already been getting somewhat weird vibes from the Ratliffs for various reasons, with Lochlan trying to watch Saxon masturbate in the first episode.

Now fast forward to episode five and the pair join Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon) and Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood) without their boyfriends on Gary’s (/secretly Greg) massive yacht for a full moon celebration.

See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil, these siblings are a lot (HBO)

With drink and drugs flying around, the two women share a kiss before Chloe suggests the brothers should do the same.

But instead of ignoring her as most would, Lochlan went in and pecked his big brother on the lips before grabbing the back of his neck and leaning in for a proper kiss.

And it was quite the smooch, proving too close to comfort for a lot of viewers.

Users on X called it ‘gross’ as many couldn’t believe their eyes, writing: “The White Lotus pushed that envelope with the kiss, too far for me.”

Others called it a ‘hard watch’ as one put: “The White Lotus really took a sharp turn into incest territory tonight.”

Yet some did appreciate the scene with its contribution to the storyline, having suspected it was going to happen.

Well, that was a moment (HBO)

“Can’t say I’m shocked because White Lotus always pushes boundaries but this is INSANE. This family is a hot mess,” another added.

And executive producer David Bernard spoke to the New York Post about if there was a discussion over whether the incest was going ‘too far’.

“No, in terms of that - that’s all [creator Mike White]. Mike is brilliant, and I think those big story turns are not just for shock,” he said.

Bernard explained there’s a ‘specific reason’ for it in the narrative ‘and the larger thematic idea Mike is trying to get across’.

“As the season wraps up, you’ll see the purpose of that story turn. The show goes there for a larger thematic idea. I love that family storyline, especially the brother story - and, it culminates in a very satisfying way,” he added.

You can watch The White Lotus on Sky Atlantic and NOW, with new episodes airing on Mondays.