HBO has defended Euphoria following claims of toxicity in the workplace, saying that the ‘wellbeing’ of those who work on the series ‘is always a top priority’.
In a recent article published by The Daily Beast, sources reportedly told the publication that conditions while filming the second season of the hit show helmed by Zendaya were ‘hellish’ and ‘toxic’ in certain departments, with workdays allegedly sometimes lasting 18 hours.
It was claimed that several complaints were made to labour union SAG-AFTRA – The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.
However, in a statement sent to Variety, HBO stressed that ‘no formal inquiries were raised’.
‘The well-being of cast and crew on our productions is always a top priority,’ the statement read.
‘The production was in full compliance with all safety guidelines and guild protocols.’
The statement emphasised that it is ‘not uncommon for drama series to have complex shoots’, with regulations regarding Covid-19 adding ‘an additional layer’.
‘We maintain an open line of communication with all the guilds, including SAG-AFTRA. There were never any formal inquiries raised,’ they added.
According to Variety, a source close to Euphoria said that no formal complaints were ever filed to SAG-AFTRA.
In a statement sent to Metro.co.uk, a spokesperson for SAG-AFTRA said: ‘Advocating for professional performer work categories like background actors and enforcing contractual provisions is one of SAG-AFTRA’s core functions.
‘This includes the routine enforcement of contracts at the worksite through our National Field Services Department which is charged with resolving any on-set violations by working with the company’s production staff members to immediately correct the issue(s) in connection with performers’ employment.’
The statement said that all actors ‘should benefit from the protections’ the members of the union enjoy, and ‘production companies signed to our agreements need to follow our safety protocols, wage and hour rules, and other protections- regardless of an actor’s union status’.
Barbie Ferreira, who plays Kat Hernandez on the drama, recently addressed speculation concerning the behind-the-scenes environment on Euphoria, amid rumours that there had been tension between the actor and showrunner Sam Levinson.
‘What’s interesting about this season is there are so many more eyes on it that even the news cycle has been so interesting to see,’ she told Insider.
‘I’ve seen so many different things and a lot of it is untrue and some of it’s kind of like mundane little things.’
Nate Jacobs actor Jacob Elordi addressed the talk of long hours on set during an interview with Variety, saying: ‘We’re making movies, you know what I mean? 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,’ he continued, describing ‘working long hours’ as the ‘greatest joy’ for him and adding that ‘they just take care of us’.
Metro.co.uk has contacted SAG-AFTRA for comment.
Euphoria is available to watch on Sky and NOW TV.
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