Patrick Schwarzenegger’s Role in ‘White Lotus’ Sparks Heated Incest Scene Debate

Fans of HBO’s hit series, "The White Lotus," were left reeling after Patrick Schwarzenegger’s character, Saxon, shared a kiss with his onscreen brother Lachlan, played by Sam Nivola. The divisive moment has ignited fierce debate on social media.

In the latest episode, Saxon and Lachlan, along with Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon) and Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood), were celebrating a local full moon festival. Fueled by drugs and alcohol, the night took an unexpected turn when the group played a daring kissing game. Initially, the brothers kissed the girls, followed by the girls kissing each other. But the shocker came when Lachlan was egged on to kiss Saxon—not once, but twice, with the second kiss being notably more intimate.

While the girls laughed off the moment, Saxon’s stunned expression and Lachlan’s sly smile set the tone for what would become one of the most talked-about scenes of the season.

Fans online expressed mixed reactions. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, "Am I the only one not okay with this incest stuff? Or am I just too woke for #WhiteLotus?" Another added, "I love this show, but the brothers making out was WAY too much! Incest is gross! Did this really add anything to the story?"

However, not everyone was appalled. Some fans found the twist bold and intriguing, with one viewer joking, "Maybe I spent too much time in frat houses, but I didn’t think the gay incest was that shocking." Another remarked, "Not where I thought the storyline was going, but it’s kind of giving. Honestly, I hope we get a sex scene." Clearly, this storyline has people divided across the spectrum.

Patrick Schwarzenegger himself addressed the controversial scene in an interview with "Today," crediting series creator Mike White for leaving the moment open to interpretation. "Mike wants the audience to decipher what’s happening—whether it’s a shift in power dynamics, the influence of drugs, or peer pressure from the girls," Schwarzenegger explained.

This isn’t the first time "The White Lotus" has toyed with uncomfortable themes, but the incestuous kiss between Saxon and Lachlan has undeniably pushed boundaries. Saxon, portrayed as the confident older brother, had his dynamic with the shyer Lachlan completely upended in this bold moment.

Executive producer David Bernad also weighed in, telling The New York Post that the scene wasn’t just for shock value. "There’s a specific reason tied to the narrative and thematic storytelling," he said, hinting that the season’s conclusion would provide clarity on the scene’s purpose. "The family storyline, especially the brother dynamic, culminates in a very satisfying way."

Schwarzenegger, no stranger to challenging roles, admitted that watching the show with his family—including his famous father Arnold Schwarzenegger—might be a bit awkward. "There are a couple of scenes where I think I’ll excuse myself to the bathroom," he quipped.

Like it or loathe it, the kiss has people talking, proving that "The White Lotus" continues to be a master in sparking conversation with its daring narrative choices.