The White Lotus Season 3 Takes on Politics and Social Issues
The latest season of “The White Lotus” has delved into political and social issues, sparking conversations among viewers. One viral scene in particular, featuring Kate (Leslie Bibb) refusing to disclose her vote for Donald Trump, caused a stir among her friends Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan) and Laurie (Carrie Coon). However, Coon reveals that the scene originally had a more profound political context.
In a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Coon shared that a significant detail about her character’s personal life was cut after the election. Originally, Laurie’s daughter was revealed to be non-binary or possibly transgender, using they/them pronouns. This subplot added complexity to Laurie’s character and her interactions with her friends.
According to Coon, the revelation about Laurie’s daughter would have made the discussion about Kate’s voting choice more provocative and personal for Laurie. However, series creator Mike White decided to remove this detail from the final edit after Trump’s re-election.
White expressed concerns about the sensitive nature of the topic, especially in light of the Trump administration’s stance on transgender rights. Coon emphasized that White’s approach to his characters is nuanced, allowing for complex and challenging conversations to unfold.
Bibb also reflected on the relevance of the Trump-focused scene in an interview with Variety, noting that it unexpectedly aligns with current events. As the season progresses, “The White Lotus” continues to tackle timely issues with depth and thoughtfulness.