Colman Domingo is opening up about Euphoria and reports that working on the set was chaotic with the cast allegedly disgruntled over the long working hours.
“No,” Domingo told The Independent after being asked if his experience on the set of the HBO drama was similar to the allegations being raised. “Not one bit. I’m not gonna invalidate [anyone’s] experience. But working in television is long hours. Sometimes you work up to 14 hours a day. And then you have to go home and prep. You have to really live and work in a very methodical way. A lot of young actors may not be up for the task, or have that same work ethic.”
Domingo has a recurring role in the Sam Levinson series playing the role of Ali, a man recovering from drug addiction who becomes a sponsor and mentor to Zendaya’s Rue.
“I’ve been in this business for 32 years,” he added. “I know what hard work is. So when I heard those ‘reports,’ “I thought, ‘Where is this coming from? That’s just a normal work day’. Be a professional.”
In February 2022, The Daily Beast published a report that alleged the “hellish” night shoots on the set of Euphoria. The report also mentioned that background actors raised concerns to SAG-AFTRA over failing “to provide them meals on time and refusing to let people use the bathroom,” among other claims.
Following the allegations, HBO released a statement saying that “the well-being of cast and crew on our productions is always a top priority” and that “the production was in full compliance with all safety guidelines and guild protocols.” The premium cable network also mentioned that “there were never any formal inquiries raised” that reflected the claims made in the previously cited report.
Domingo also defended Levinson on the allegations of creating a toxic work environment in his productions saying, “There’s no one that’s going to mistreat you on the set of Euphoria. Sam Levinson is joyful, and collaborative, and could not be a bigger advocate for his actors.”