Euphoria: HBO defends the Zendaya-led series in the wake of toxic production claims

According to HBO, Euphoria Season 2 was also shot in complete conformity with all safety requirements and guild protocols.

HBO issued a statement in response to recent concerns regarding a hazardous work environment in the production of the successful series Euphoria. The well-being of actors and crew on our productions is always a major priority, the network said in a statement to Variety.

According to HBO, Euphoria Season 2 was also shot in complete conformity with all safety requirements and guild protocols. The whole statement stated that on their projects, the safety of the cast and crew is always a high priority. The production followed all safety guidelines and guild protocols to the letter. Complex shootings are frequent in drama series, and COVID protocols add another layer of complexity. All of the guilds, including SAG-AFTRA, have an open line of communication with them. There were no official enquiries ever made.

HBO's statement comes after The Daily Beast published a report on Friday alleging maltreatment of background performers due to Euphoria's tight filming schedule. Multiple complaints were made to SAG-AFTRA concerning production failing to feed them meals on time and refusing to let them use the bathroom, according to the report.

Furthermore, according to The Daily Beast, extras were not given an appropriate holding room between scenes and were only given two space heaters during frigid evening filming.

One background actor told The Daily Beast that they understand that they are performing background work. The performer further said that although they're not the most important people there, they are aware of their position on the totem pole. But it got to the point where they realised that they were still a person, still human. It was almost as though they didn't exist as individuals.

Another extra remarked that it was the most unorganised set they had ever been on since they didn't think anyone realised what was going on.

Last month, actor Jacob Elordi, who plays Nate on the show, spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about his experiences on set.

He stated that they shoot for long periods of time, sometimes up to 16 hours. It's akin to the love of work and the labour of love. One can't achieve all of that in a short period of time. At the end of the day, it's quite cathartic to work so hard and for so long on something and then have a finished product that one is proud of.

In the town of East Highland, high schooler Rue (Zendaya) searches for hope while balancing love, loss, and addiction. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the cast also features Nika King, Eric Dane, Algee Smith, Alexa Demie, Barbie Ferreira, Maude Apatow, Javon Walton, Dominic Fike, Storm Reid, and Austin Abrams. Zendaya's Emmy-winning HBO comedy was extended for a third season earlier this month. The season 2 conclusion of the show aired on February 27.

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