The cast of Euphoria is responding to recently to criticisms about working conditions on set.

Euphoria is an unquestionable hit. It has become the most watched HBO show, and it received the honor of an early season three renewal. While the show has been dominating news cycles for its smashing success, the show is now circulating for less sensational reasons. According to an article on the Daily Beast, SAG violations and numberous other issues caused background actors to come and go quickly from the show. A background actor revealed to the publication:

"I understand that I'm doing background work...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 a.m. It just very much felt like we didn't exist as people."

HBO, however, has now come out in their own defense. According to an article on The Hollywood Reporter, HBO released a statement saying:

"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."

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Euphoria star Colman Domingo spoke out while at the Independent Spirit Awards in direct contradiction of the original complaints.

"Every single time I've been on that set there's so much care, so much love, so much creative energy...The reality is that in the television space, we usually shoot 12- to 16-hour days. That's just the norm across the board, and I've never had one problem. Once again, if anything, I've had the utmost care and the way we're taken care of with food and rests, and just care for your schedule, I feel like there's ultimate consideration. I don't know where these words are coming from, but I think that with anything good, you're always going to get some backlash, and so you have to be prepared for it."

We hope any issues and confusion surrounding this issue are soon quelled.

Tags: euphoria Colman Domingo