HBO is defending Euphoria against reports that production of the show’s second season is toxic and violates SAG-AFTRA. The network stressed in a statement to Variety that “the well-being of the actors and the team of our productions is always a top priority.” HBO said that “Euphoria” season 2 was produced in “full compliance with all safety instructions and guild protocols.”
HBO’s full statement reads: “The well-being of the actors and crew of our productions is always a top priority. The production was in full compliance with all safety instructions and protocols of the guild. It is not uncommon for dramatic series to have complex images, and COVID protocols add an extra layer. We maintain open communication with all guilds, including SAG-AFTRA. There have never been any official inquiries. “
The Daily Beast published a report in which the background actors in the series claim that there are “numerous complaints to SAG-AFTRA that the production did not provide them with food on time and refused to allow people to use the bathroom.” Sources also told the publication that the kit “does not have a suitable place to keep the extras” and that “there were so many complaints called to SAG-AFTRA that a union representative showed up to ask.”
A source close to the series told Variety that no formal complaints had ever been filed with SAG-AFTRA. Variety turned to SAG-AFTRA for further comment.
While “Euphoria” season 2 aired on HBO, rumors of the show’s toxic production were circulating on social media. Creator Sam Levinson and regular Barbie Ferreira have reportedly quarreled over the direction of the story of Ferreira’s character, Kat, which led to the claim that Ferreira stormed the set and Levinson cut Kat’s role this season. HBO denied Ferreira had left the set.
It is reported that Levinson’s decision not to shoot with a list of shots also caused tension, as it led to long hours for the cast and crew. As HBO noted in a statement, “It’s not uncommon for dramatic series to have complex images.”
Euphoria member Jacob Elordi previously defended the series’ long filming hours. “We make movies, do you understand what I mean?” he told Variety after the finale of season 2. “I mean, in a broad sense, it’s making movies. And while you don’t have to suffer, it’s great value for me to work hard. And for every hour I’ve personally put into this set, I can see it when I watch the show, and I can feel it when I walk down the street and people love the show.
“For me, working long hours is my greatest joy,” Elordi added. “And they take care of us. This is my family. If I work long hours, Sam works twice as hard, Zendaya works three times as long. We are all in it together. ”
“Euphoria” is emerging as the second most-watched HBO series in history since “Game of Thrones” in its second season. The show will return for a third season.
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