HBO has defended its popular show Euphoria, starring Zendaya, following reports that extras and the crew alleged a toxic work environment during the production of season 2. The network also claimed that no “formal inquiries” were raised.
Earlier in February, it was reported that the background actors on the series had alleged that there were multiple complaints made to the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) over the production failing to provide them meals on time and refusing to let people use the bathroom. Sources reportedly also claimed that the set didn’t have a proper holding area for the extras and that there were so many complaints called into SAG-AFTRA that a union representative was sent to check on the situation.
“I understand that I’m doing background work,” an unnamed actor told The Daily Beast. “I’m not the most important person there, I know where I am on the totem pole. But it got to a point where I was like, I’m still a person, I’m still human. Please let me go to the restroom, don’t tell me I can’t go for 30 minutes or tell me I can’t get a snack when you’re not going to feed me and it’s 4 am. It just very much felt like we didn’t exist as people.”
Further, another extra also commented that the Euphoria sets were highly disorganised.
However, HBO has now said in a statement, “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.”
The allegations notably came days after a star on the show, Minka Kelly, spoke out publicly that she “didn’t feel comfortable” filming a nude scene for the series.
Euphoria was renewed for season 3 earlier in February. The show’s season 2 finale was aired on February 27.