Actor Sam Nivola has offered his perspective on the complex sexuality of his character, Lochlan Ratliff, in HBO‘s The White Lotus following a series of sexually charged scenes that have sparked online debate.
In the show’s third season, Lochlan’s interactions with his brother, Saxon, played by Patrick Schwarzenegger, have drawn particular attention. A drunken kiss in an earlier episode escalated to a scene in episode six where Lochlan engages in sexual activity with another character, Chloe, portrayed by Charlotte Le Bon, while simultaneously involving his brother in the act.
Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO
These scenes have led viewers to question Lochlan’s sexual orientation, especially after an earlier moment where he appeared to gaze at his brother’s naked body. While Saxon is depicted as conventionally heterosexual, Lochlan’s behavior suggests a more fluid or confused understanding of his own sexuality.
Speaking to Variety, Nivola addressed the speculation, stating that series creator Mike White “doesn’t look at the world through a gendered lens.” Nivola suggested that White’s portrayal of characters transcends traditional gender and sexual categories, focusing instead on the shared human flaws and desires.
“The point he is always making is that people are all the same — lovable, yet rotten at their core,” Nivola said. He interpreted the intense sibling dynamic as more reflective of their shared lifestyle than a specific exploration of gender or sexuality.
Nivola characterized Lochlan as driven by a desire for “love and attention,” which he believes could stem from either men or women. He suggested that Lochlan is still exploring his attractions and that a potential discovery of same-sex attraction would be complicated by his character’s “rich, conservative Southern” family background.
Regarding the explicit scene with his brother, Nivola acknowledged his initial anxiety but praised White’s “calming” presence on set. He clarified that Lochlan’s actions are not driven by sexual attraction towards Saxon but rather by a sense of insecurity and a desire to understand and connect with his brother.
“It’s more curiosity, and trying to figure out which kind of person he is going to become,” Nivola explained. He described Lochlan as a “people pleaser” who seeks approval and connection through any means possible.
Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO
Nivola emphasized that Lochlan’s observation of Saxon is not sexual but rather an attempt to “study” him and understand how to gain his affection.
“The White Lotus” season three continues on HBO, with new episodes airing Sundays.
