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White Lotus Creator Mike White Responds to Composer’s Exit, Cites “Disrespect”
The acclaimed HBO series The White Lotus may have concluded its third season, but behind-the-scenes tensions are still unfolding. Series creator Mike White has publicly addressed comments from composer Cristóbal Tapia de Veer, who recently announced his departure from the hit show. The rift between the two emerged after de Veer indicated he would not be returning for the fourth season, citing creative differences.
Composer Cristóbal Tapia de Veer Announces Departure
Cristóbal Tapia de Veer, known for crafting the show’s distinctive score and viral title sequence music – tailored to each season’s location – informed the New York Times of his exit, stating creative disagreements with White as the reason. He described their relationship as strained, remarking, “We already had our last fight for ever, I think,” and characterized White’s feedback as dismissive: “He was just saying no to anything.”
Mike White Disputes Composer’s Account of “Fights”
Responding to de Veer’s statements on Howard Stern’s radio show following the season finale, Mike White, who is also the sole writer and director, challenged de Veer’s depiction of their parting. White expressed surprise at de Veer going public, saying, “I honestly don’t know what happened, except now I’m reading his interviews because he decides to do some PR campaign about him leaving the show.” He further suggested a lack of professional regard, adding, “I don’t think he respected me. He wants people to know that he’s edgy and dark and I’m, I don’t know, like I watch reality TV.”
“No Real Fights,” Claims White
White downplayed the notion of significant conflict. “We never really even fought. He says we feuded,” White stated. “I don’t think I ever had a fight with him – except for maybe some emails. It was basically me giving him notes. I don’t think he liked to go through the process of getting notes from me, or wanting revisions, because he didn’t respect me.” He criticized de Veer’s timing, stating, “I was thrown that he would go to the New York Times to shit on me and the show three days before the finale. It was kind of a bitch move.”
Composer’s Acclaimed Work and Emmy Wins
Despite the discord, Cristóbal Tapia de Veer’s contributions to The White Lotus have been widely praised. He has garnered three Emmy Awards for his work on the series, including Outstanding Theme Music for the first season. The season two theme notably achieved mainstream popularity, with remixes by prominent DJs such as Tiësto and Sofi Tukker.
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White Describes “Rocky” Creative Relationship
White revealed that challenges in their working dynamic were present from the show’s inception. “By the time the third season came around, he’d won Emmys and he had his song go viral, he didn’t want to go through the process with me, he didn’t want to go to sessions,” he told Stern. He also described de Veer’s demeanor as dismissive, saying, “He would always look at me with this contemptuous smirk on his face like he thought I was a chimp or something … he’s definitely making a big deal out of a creative difference.”
Howard Stern’s Perspective
Stern offered his viewpoint, questioning de Veer’s decision to leave. “You’re the genius behind this thing. Why quit a hit show because you got some notes and some differences? Just work it out.”
White’s Closing Remarks on Composer
Acknowledging de Veer’s talent, White concluded, “He is very talented. [But] I’ve never kissed somebody’s ass so hard to just get him to – to lead that horse to water. Have fun with whatever you’re doing next.”
De Veer’s Defense: Prioritizing Creative Vision
In his New York Times interview, de Veer defended his approach. “Maybe I was being unprofessional, and for sure Mike feels that I was always unprofessional to him because I didn’t give him what he wanted. But what I gave him did this, you know – did those Emmys, people going crazy … That is the main thing that I’m most happy about – it was worth all the tension and almost forcing the music into the show, in a way, because I didn’t have that many allies in there.”
Title Sequence Dispute and Fan Reaction
A point of contention appears to be the season three title sequence, which received a mixed reception from viewers. Some fans expressed disappointment over the omission of the signature “ooh-loo-loo-loo” vocal element from previous themes. De Veer stated he advocated for releasing a longer version incorporating this element to appease critics, but White reportedly declined.
Failed Attempt to Include Classic Vocal Element
De Veer recounted his attempt to address fan concerns: “I texted the producer and I told him that it would be great to, at some point, give them the longer version with the ooh-loo-loo-loos, because people will explode if they realize that it was going there anyway,” he said. “He thought it was a good idea. But then Mike cut that – he wasn’t happy about that.”
White Lotus Season 3 Ratings Success
Despite varied critical reception for its third season, The White Lotus remains a major success for HBO. The season finale achieved impressive viewership figures, drawing 6.2 million viewers and surpassing the previous week’s record by 30%, underscoring the show’s continued popularity.