Euphoria Called Out For Toxic Production Practices

Euphoria follows a group of high school students as they navigate identity, trauma, drugs, friendships, love, and sex. As the second season of HBO’s “Euphoria” premiered, accusations about the show’s toxic production began to emerge on social media

HBO is defending Euphoria against claims that the second season’s production was toxic and in violation of SAG-AFTRA rules. The network said in a statement to Variety that season 2 of HBO’s Euphoria was made in complete conformity with all safety requirements and guild protocols.

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.

Background performers on the show said there were several complaints made to SAG-AFTRA over the production failing to feed them food on time and refusing to allow anyone use the bathroom. The set didn’t have an appropriate holding area for the extras.

Variety learned from a source close to the show that no official complaints were ever lodged with SAG-AFTRA. According to reports, creator Sam Levinson and series regular Barbie Ferreira had a falling out over the story direction of Ferreira’s character, Kat, which resulted in Ferreira storming off set and Levinson reducing Kat’s position in the season.

Levinson’s decision not to film with a shot list is said to have added to set tension by forcing the performers and crew to work long hours. After “Game of Thrones,” “Euphoria” became HBO’s second most-watched series in history during its second season. The series has been renewed for a third season.