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White Lotus Star Carrie Coon Responds to Meghan McCain Following Online Spat Over Donald Trump Scene
Actress Carrie Coon, known for her role in the hit HBO series The White Lotus, has addressed her recent public disagreement with Meghan McCain after a scene referencing Donald Trump on the show sparked controversy. The online exchange between the two personalities ignited a debate regarding political commentary in entertainment and online interactions.
Feud Origins: A Cryptic Post and Boycott Threats
The dispute began when Coon reposted a message from McCain on X (formerly Twitter), adding a cryptic remark that was perceived negatively by the political commentator. McCain responded by suggesting she might boycott “The White Lotus,” claiming the actress had sent “nasty crap” her way via social media.
The Viral Scene: Politics and Wine in “The White Lotus”
Their social media friction stemmed from a viral scene in “The White Lotus” featuring Coon’s character, Laurie, alongside Leslie Bibb as Kate, and Michelle Monaghan as Jaclyn. In the scene, the three childhood friends engage in a political discussion over wine, during which Kate reveals her support for MAGA (Make America Great Again) and Donald Trump.
Coon’s Perspective: Understanding McCain’s Reaction
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, ahead of the season finale, Coon offered a positive perspective, suggesting why McCain might have identified with the scene. “I believe individuals like Meghan McCain and her community are likely pleased to witness a conservative viewpoint represented on television,” Coon stated.
“I have heard from conservative acquaintances who felt the scene was insightful, noting that it did not vilify Kate’s character,” she added.
McCain’s Emotional Post and Coon’s Response
Earlier in March, McCain publicly expressed emotional support for Donald Trump after his address to Congress, stating on X that his speech had moved her to tears. This post preceded Coon’s enigmatic reply.
Coon’s character in "The White Lotus" was involved in a widely discussed scene where political viewpoints surfaced during a conversation among friends, including the revelation of MAGA support.
Coon has offered insights into McCain’s potential connection to the scene, suggesting viewers like McCain might appreciate seeing conservative perspectives depicted on screen.
Referring to a moment honoring brain cancer survivor Devarjaye ‘DJ’ Daniel during Trump’s address, McCain wrote on March 4, “This is the first time I can recall crying during a state of the union. Thank you President Trump. This is so moving. Anyone affected by brain cancer understands the significance of this,” McCain shared, referencing the honorary Secret Service agent designation for Daniel.
McCain’s father, the late Senator John McCain, passed away from brain cancer in 2018.
The following day, March 5, Coon responded with the ambiguous message: “Who’s gonna tell her?”
Two days later, McCain retaliated by sharing a smirking photograph of Leslie Bibb, Coon’s co-star who plays the Trump supporter Kate, implying disapproval of Coon’s comment.
McCain then questioned on X whether she should “still watch tonight since one of the stars decided to tweet some nasty crap at me,” indicating her displeasure with the situation.
McCain’s Disappointment and Cancer Research Funding
While Coon’s recent remarks appear to diffuse the tension, McCain expressed deep disappointment on Monday regarding recent federal spending legislation, revealing she was “absolutely heartbroken” by the congressional spending bill due to its impact on cancer research funding.
The continuing resolution, approved by Congress and signed into law, includes significant reductions to research funding for the type of cancer that claimed her father’s life. McCain highlighted the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) efforts in treating her father and developing advanced Glioblastoma treatments, calling them “nothing short of a miracle.”
Further federal funding for these critical research initiatives is now endangered under the spending bill, which proposes cuts to the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program – a key source of funding for NIH cancer research programs.
McCain’s Republican Plea and Deleted Post
“My fellow Republicans – this is wrong,” Meghan McCain posted on X Tuesday, in a message that was subsequently deleted. She further elaborated, “I am absolutely heartbroken at the news the funding for brain cancer research has been completely cut from NIH,” McCain continued, noting the NIH’s role in treating her father and others with Glioblastoma and other brain cancers, praising the “miracle doctors and nurses.” “Those of us in the brain cancer community are grieving today.”
Bibb’s Perspective on the Scene’s Relevance
While McCain’s interaction with Coon underscored potential divides in viewpoints, Leslie Bibb described the Trump scene as “amazing,” commending show creator Mike White’s ability to capture the “zeitgeist.”
Interestingly, the scene was written in 2022, prior to Trump’s reelection considerations.
Bibb explained, “They were scheduled to film this season in 2023, but the writers’ strike occurred,” causing delays and raising concerns that the scene might feel “outdated” upon airing.
However, the scene resonated strongly with audiences, airing shortly after Trump’s return to the political forefront.
McCain considered a potential boycott of “The White Lotus” following a social media exchange with Coon regarding her Trump support.
McCain responded to Coon by sharing a photo of Leslie Bibb as Kate, the Trump-supporting character in “The White Lotus,” following the contentious scene.
McCain expressed being moved to tears by Trump’s congressional address in early March, sharing her reaction on social media.
Scene Adjustments: Dialing Back the Political Content
Show creator Mike White ultimately chose to moderate the scene, omitting some of the Trump-related dialogue during editing.
“There was more to that conversation,” Coon revealed. “Originally, Laurie’s daughter was revealed to be nonbinary, and Laurie’s struggle with her teenager’s ‘they/them’ pronouns was explored.”
“The Trump element became even more sensitive for Laurie due to her daughter’s identity, but this was before Trump’s reelection considerations intensified and the escalation of discussions around the trans community,” she added.
Creative Decisions: Balancing Politics and Narrative
White felt the scene’s political tone, while relevant in March 2024, risked becoming “overwhelming” or “distracting” from broader thematic explorations upon final edits. “I don’t think that it was radical, but that’s not the kind of attention I want. The political aspects could overshadow the ideas I’m trying to convey,” White explained, highlighting the delicate balance between timely social commentary and narrative integrity.