Dramatic Missteps in ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 Episode 4 Spark Controversy

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Episode 4 of Season 3 of HBO‘s acclaimed series, “The White Lotus,” titled “Hide or Seek,” ignited discussions after a controversial scene featuring character Saxon Ratliff. Set against the backdrop of a lavish yacht party in Thailand, Saxon, accompanied by his brother Lochlan, attempts to charm women with a botched Thai greeting that instead comes out as a highly offensive term.

This moment occurs about 25 minutes into the episode, as Saxon encourages Lochlan to flirt with women who are already in relationships. In the show, Saxon incorrectly says “Swastika” instead of the appropriate greeting, “Sah-wah-dee kha.” The misstep quickly draws attention for its inappropriateness, highlighting the character’s cluelessness.

“Yes, Saxon really does say ‘Swastika’ in ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 Episode 4. You did not hear that wrong,” the article notes, as viewers grapple with the implications of the character’s choice of words. The scene, crafted by series creator Mike White, was not an ad-lib; in a recent interview, actor Patrick Schwarzenegger confirmed that it was included in the original script.

“It’s an intentional moment in the script, not a mistake,” Schwarzenegger stated during a press promotion for the episode. “He’s not purposely doing it, but it is in the script.” This statement indicates a deeper layer to Saxon’s character, whose seemingly oblivious nature is at the forefront of the narrative.

Originally, the script had a scene where Lochlan corrects Saxon after the blunder, but it was cut from the final edit. “They kind of took that part out,” Schwarzenegger remarked, suggesting that the choice to omit this correction could leave audiences pondering the character’s intentions. “It’s indicative of Saxon’s personality. He doesn’t care about what you think or how you’re properly supposed to say it,” he added.

The ongoing season of “The White Lotus” introduced an array of new characters and seen tensions rise significantly. With the setting in Thailand, viewers are promised more drama, including potential confrontations among characters. With the Ratliffs caught in the crosshairs of deception and desire, questions remain about their fates and the overall trajectory of the series.

New episodes continue to unveil layers of suspense and complexity. As fans eagerly await the next developments, the show remains a topic of conversation, particularly regarding themes of privilege and insensitivity that characters often display.

HBO previously announced that the fourth season of “The White Lotus” is officially in development, with production potentially starting in 2026, meaning more thought-provoking content is on the horizon for audiences.

The fourth episode of Season 3 is accessible for streaming on MAX and airs on HBO on Sunday, March 9, 2025, continuing to engage viewers with its combination of humor and critique of social dynamics.