David Bernad, the producer of White Lotus, has come forward to address the controversial incestuous kiss scene in the latest episode of the HBO series. The scene, which aired on Sunday, has stirred up strong reactions among viewers who found it unsettling.
The fifth episode of season three saw brothers brothers Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger) and Lochlan Ratliff (Sam Nivola) share a kiss.
Bernad explained that the scene was not meant to be ‘just for shock’ amid fan claims that the show went too far.
In defense of the scene, Bernad credited the show’s creator, Mike White, for his creative vision. He praised White’s brilliance and emphasized that such bold narrative choices are not merely for shock value. According to Bernad, there is a deeper thematic significance to the storyline that will become clearer as the season progresses.
‘There’s a specific reason in terms of the narrative storytelling, and the larger thematic idea Mike is trying to get across,’ Bernad added.
Bernad teased that the controversial moment is integral to a larger narrative arc that explores complex family dynamics. He expressed his admiration for the intricacies of the brother storyline and hinted at a satisfying resolution that awaits viewers as the season unfolds.
White Lotus producer David Bernad defended an incestuous kiss scene in the latest episode of the popular HBO show, which aired on Sunday leaving fans ‘disgusted’
The fifth episode of season three saw brothers brothers Saxon ( Patrick Schwarzenegger ) and Lochlan Ratliff (Sam Nivola) share a kiss; the two seen in a still
The bizarre story started towards the end of the premiere episode, where Lochlan longingly tried to watch his brother masturbate.
The Ratliff brothers’ saga took a new twist on Sunday when they were partying with Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon) and Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood) without their boyfriends.
After Saxon asked the two ladies to kiss, Chloe asked the brothers to kiss as well, as Lochlan wasted little time in kissing his brother.
Saxon – who was on drugs for possibly the first time – didn’t seem to know how to react to the kiss at all, as fans chimed in about the kiss on social media.
Saxon vowed to try and get his little brother laid during this trip, setting his sights on Chloe, whose rich boyfriend Gary (Jon Gries), previously known in the first two seasons as Greg, didn’t join them on his massive yacht for the full moon party.
Chloe seemed to have her eye on Lochlan throughout the episode, even telling Lochlan at one point that people get laid at this full moon party, and she wanted to keep honoring local traditions.
While it’s unclear if she does end up having sex with Lochlan, all fans are talking about is his kiss with Saxon.
‘The brother thing was gross. The White Lotus pushed that envelope with the kiss, too far for me,’ one person wrote.
Bernad explained that the scene was not meant to be ‘just for shock’ amid fan claims that the show went too far; he is pictured in 2022
!['There¿s a specific reason in terms of the narrative storytelling, and the larger thematic idea [creator Mike White] is trying to get across,' Bernad told The New York Post](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/03/17/02/96260493-14505893-image-a-84_1742180368502.jpg)
‘There’s a specific reason in terms of the narrative storytelling, and the larger thematic idea [creator Mike White] is trying to get across,’ Bernad told The New York Post
He revealed that, ‘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’
The Ratliff brothers’ saga took a new twist on Sunday when they were partying with Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon) and Chelsea ( Aimee Lou Wood ) without their boyfriends. After Saxon asked the two ladies to kiss, Chloe asked the brothers to kiss as well, as Lochlan wasted little time in kissing his brother
Some fans have claimed the scene went ‘too far’
‘Why is everyone suddenly pro incest? (I’m talking about white lotus)’ another asked.
Someone else added, ‘This White Lotus episode is an especially hard watch oh my goodness.’
‘The White Lotus really took a sharp turn into incest territory tonight.’
‘why is white lotus putting incest on my screen rn.’
Another X user shared a GIF of Kermit the Frog with his face scrunched up, adding, ‘Been watching the new episode of The White Lotus with my face like this.’
‘More sibling incest on The White Lotus,’ yet another fan wrote, as someone else added, ‘Tonight is the incest episode of The White Lotus.’
Another social media user shared a Chucky GIF from the Child’s Play franchise, adding, ‘Saxon and Lochlan kissing… EW #TheWhiteLotus.’
However, there were some defending the plot as they pointed out that beloved HBO show Game of Thrones also had an incest plotline.
‘I suspected it was gonna happen but didnt think they would do it. People that is complaining and forget about game of thrones or other series.’
‘The brother thing was gross. The White Lotus pushed that envelope with the kiss, too far for me,’ one person wrote
However, there were some defending the plot as they pointed out that beloved HBO show Game of Thrones also had an incest plotline
This season takes place in Thailand.
Aside from the brothers, the Ratliff family consists of Patriarch Timothy (Jason Isaacs) – a wealthy businessman, who reveals early on that he brought the whole family to Thailand so his daughter Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook) could interview a Buddhist monk for her college thesis.
Timothy is also joined by his wife Victoria (Parker Posey).
The White Lotus airs on HBO in the US and Sky Atlantic in the UK, with episodes available to stream on NOW.
