Fans threaten to boycott 'The White Lotus' over controversial storyline involving Patrick Schwarzenegger and Sam Nivola

Schwarzenegger and Nivola's characters spark backlash as viewers express outrage over unsettling plot twist.

HBO’s hit anthology series The White Lotus is making waves again—this time not just for its picturesque location or satirical bite, but for a storyline that has left viewers unsettled. Set in a luxurious Thai resort, the show’s latest season follows the wealthy Ratliff family, among others, as secrets and tension bubble beneath the surface.

A recent episode introduced a highly controversial narrative involving brothers Saxon (played by Patrick Schwarzenegger) and Lochlan (Sam Nivola), which has generated strong reactions online. The scene in question involved a party on a yacht and a series of dares that quickly escalated. A later revelation in the episode suggested that one brother may have crossed boundaries while another character was present—leading many viewers to express concern and discomfort.

“It’s the most shocking turn the show has taken,” one user posted. Another wrote, “To say this episode is disturbing would be an understatement.”

The creators of The White Lotus, known for pushing dramatic boundaries, have yet to address the growing public reaction. However, both lead actors have defended the direction of the show. “There’s some sensationalism, but then there’s also the stuff behind the wall of the character and what he’s dealing with,” said Schwarzenegger in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. Nivola added, “We really trusted [creator] Mike [White]. It always serves the story.”

Fans of the show are clearly divided. Some have praised the boldness of the writing, while others have threatened to stop watching entirely. “Please let there be no more of this kind of storyline,” one user posted, while another added, “The plot this season has gone too far.”

As The White Lotus continues its third season, one thing is certain—it hasn’t stopped sparking conversations, for better or worse.