March 5, 2022
After 'Euphoria' Toxic Set Claims, HBO Releases Statement
Emell Adolphus READ TIME: 2 MIN.
HBO has released an official statement addressing claims of a toxic working environment on the set of its hit show, "Euphoria," reported Variety.
Allegations included several violations to SAG-AFTRA stipulations, such as failing to provide meals and bathroom breaks, reported The Daily Beast.
Sources also told The Daily Beast that production failed to provide a proper holding area for extras.
Defending the show against these allegations, a statement from HBO reads: "The well-being of cast and crew on our productions is always a top priority. The production was in full compliance with all safety guidelines and guild protocols. It's not uncommon for drama series to have complex shoots, and COVID protocols add an additional layer. We maintain an open line of communication with all the guilds, including SAG-AFTRA. There were never any formal inquiries raised."
A source close to the series reportedly confirmed to Variety that indeed no formal complaints were ever filed to SAG-AFTRA, but that hasn't stopped the show from continuously becoming the focus of rumors.
On social media, rumors began circulating of a rift between "Euphoria" creator Sam Levinson and star Barbie Ferreira about the direction of her character Kat. This was seemingly confirmed as social media users further noticed that her character has been mostly absent in Season 2 of the show.
Also causing tension reportedly was Levinson's decision not to film with a shot list, leading to long hours for the cast and crew.
In an interview, "Euphoria" star Jacob Elordi defended the long days as the "greatest joy."
"We're making movies, you know what I mean?" he told Variety after the Season 2 finale. "I mean that in the broad sense, like this is filmmaking. And whilst you shouldn't suffer, to me there's great value in working hard. And for every hour that I've personally put in on that set, I can see it when I watch the show, and I can feel it when I'm walking on the street and people love the show."
