Journalist Reignites BLACKPINK Lisa’s Nepotism Allegations After “The White Lotus” Finale
Earlier this year, BLACKPINK‘s Lisa made her acting debut in the latest season of The White Lotus.
The idol played Mook, a character local to the setting, and garnered much interest from netizens. This continued after the recent show’s ending, with Lisa’s character’s ending sparking “heated” reactions.
With the show’s ending has come negative and positive reactions, including resurfacing some allegations of nepotism.
On November 13, the American media outlet Vanity Fair published its 2025 The Hollywood Issue online. Each year, the outlet publishes what is described as a “celebration of cinematic excellence.” It features around a dozen actors making waves in Hollywood, and Lisa was included in the set of stars.
Lisa’s inclusion on the cover sparked mixed reactions, with some questioning why she was included. Some even accused the idol of nepotism, saying she used the connections of her rumored boyfriend, Frédéric Arnault.
Those who defended her, including Radhika Jones, the Editor-In-Chief of Vanity Fair, mentioned her upcoming debut in The White Lotus as part of the reasoning for her inclusion.
Ultimately, Lisa’s role in the series was smaller than anticipated, with some estimates placing her at just ten minute of total screen time. This was referenced in a tweet by journalist Louis Pisano, who brought back the reveal of Vanity Fair’s cover in a quote tweet.
now that that’s over…..10 total minutes of air time does not a Hollywood star make https://t.co/S50m7nBd8P
— Louis Pisano (@LouisPisano) April 7, 2025
Fans quickly came to Lisa’s defense, mentioning cover co-star Zendaya‘s own short appearance in a film that she heavily promoted on its press tour, as well as the increase in viewership that Lisa likely had a part in.
zendaya was in dune for like 10 minutes and was still present throughout the press tour. why? she's popular and brings viewers, that's what hbo wanted. it's called ADVERTISING! MARKETING! PROMOTION! https://t.co/Ab617n60oo
— nini☆ (@symphonysugar) April 7, 2025
Bro just forgot Anthony Hopkins won an Oscars just for 16 min screen time 🤷♂️.
Not to compare, just saying good acting is a good acting at the end of the day 🤷♂️ https://t.co/ysSrAl83kf
— Kenji kun (@20th_Cent_Boy) April 7, 2025
Thanks to Lisa’s less than 10-minute appearance, views for this season of The White Lotus increased by almost 57%, cos even her haters, like you are waiting for it. https://t.co/DoWyuMOhIk pic.twitter.com/RKia95tjwD
— z (@lalisazayn) April 7, 2025
You can read reactions to Lisa’s acting debut below.
