‘White Lotus’ producer makes shocking revelation about cast salaries: ‘Not negotiable’

New York Post - Apr 4th, 2025

HBO's acclaimed drama 'The White Lotus' enforces an equal pay structure for its ensemble cast, a decision that aims to foster a fair working environment. Each series regular earns $40,000 per episode, totaling $320,000 for the season. This structure, in place since the show's inception, prioritizes creative commitment over financial negotiation. Producer David Bernad and casting director Meredith Tucker champion this approach, emphasizing that it ensures participants join for passion and art rather than monetary gain.

The show's third season, set in Thailand, introduces controversial plotlines that have affected casting decisions. Some actors withdrew after learning about an incestuous storyline involving brothers Lochlan and Saxon Ratliff. Despite initial apprehensions, actors Sam Nivola and Patrick Schwarzenegger accepted the challenging roles. The move underscores the show's commitment to pushing narrative boundaries while raising questions about the limits actors face in portraying provocative content. The season finale airs Sundays at 9 p.m. on HBO and Max, continuing to capture audience intrigue with its bold storytelling.

Thailand Hbo The White Lotus Patrick Schwarzenegger David Bernad Meredith Tucker Equal Pay Incest Storyline Sam Nivola

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a largely accurate and clear account of the equal pay structure and casting practices in 'The White Lotus.' It benefits from direct quotes from credible sources, which enhance its reliability. While it is timely and relevant to ongoing discussions about equity in the entertainment industry, the article could improve its balance by including more diverse perspectives, particularly from actors who might disagree with the pay structure. The story is engaging and readable, appealing to fans of the show and those interested in industry practices, but its impact is likely limited to sparking discussions rather than driving significant change. Overall, the article effectively informs readers about a specific aspect of a popular TV series while contributing to broader conversations about fairness in the workplace.

Accuracy

The story presents several factual claims that align well with available information about "The White Lotus," such as the equal pay structure for cast members and the use of alphabetical billing. These claims are supported by statements from the show's producer, David Bernad, and casting director, Meredith Tucker, which adds credibility. Specific figures, like the $40,000 per episode salary, are consistent with reported data. However, the story could benefit from additional verification of the budget figures and actor reactions to provide a more comprehensive view. Overall, the article is largely accurate, but some details require further confirmation.

Balance

The article provides a balanced perspective by including statements from both the producer and casting director, which helps portray the rationale behind the show's pay structure. However, the story predominantly focuses on the positive aspects of the equal pay policy and lacks viewpoints from actors who might have disagreed with it. Including more diverse opinions, especially from actors who opted out due to the pay structure, would enhance balance and provide a fuller picture of the issue.

Clarity

The article is well-written, with clear language and a logical structure that makes it easy to follow. The use of direct quotes helps clarify the points being made, and the narrative flows smoothly from one topic to another. The tone is neutral and informative, which aids in comprehension. Overall, the clarity of the article is one of its strengths.

Source quality

The primary sources for the article are credible, as they include direct quotes from key figures involved in the production of "The White Lotus." David Bernad and Meredith Tucker are authoritative voices regarding the show's operations, lending reliability to the claims made. However, the article could be strengthened by including additional sources, such as interviews with cast members or industry experts, to provide a broader context and verify the claims independently.

Transparency

The article does a good job of explaining the basis of its claims by quoting relevant individuals directly involved with the show. However, it lacks transparency regarding the methodology used to gather information, such as whether the quotes were obtained through interviews or press releases. Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest, which would be necessary to ensure impartiality.