Back in 2020, when the world was in lockdown, auditions were held through Zoom meetings. One member of the Euphoria cast tried his luck to snag a role in an unnamed project. While Lukas Gage nailed his part on the famed teen drama series, the behind-the-scenes of this particular audition piece was not at all pleasant.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine director Tristram Shapeero made an embarrassing comment about the actor’s apartment that went viral after he forgot to mute his microphone. Gage posted the clip on social media, where he received tons of support from fans and fellow actors.
Euphoria Star Lukas Gage’s Controversial Audition Clip Went Viral
In the Twitter/X video clip, Lukas Gage was seen preparing for an audition via Zoom meeting when Tristram Shapeero said:
“These poor people live in these tiny apartments like I’m looking at his, you know, background, and he’s got his TV and his, you know…”
The young actor heard everything and reacted as if he was cringing at the director’s private comment. Gage promptly replied:
“I know it’s a shitty apartment. That’s why give me this job, so I can get a better one.”
Mortified and embarrassed, the director soon realized his microphone was on and he immediately apologized to the Euphoria star. The actor further added:
“I’m living in a four-by-four box, it’s fine, just give me the job, and we’ll be fine.”
In an open letter posted by Deadline, Shapeero apologized to Gage and took responsibility for his actions towards The White Lotus actor. He wrote:
“First and foremost, I offer Mr. Gage a sincere and unvarnished apology for my offensive words. My unprofessional behavior during the audition and for not giving him the focus and attention he deserved. My job is to evaluate performers against the part I am trying to cast. Lukas deserved better.”
The director concluded his letter by appreciating the hard work of the actors who auditioned for the few parts available. He also emphasized that he used the term “poor” as a “deserving sympathy” and not a judgment of people’s economic status.
Shapeero reiterated that his comments had no intention to hurt anyone but a sincere appreciation of actors who are willing to endure the circumstances. Unfortunately, Gage did not get the job he was auditioning for in the viral clip.
Fellow Actors Showed Support For Lukas Gage
After Lukas Gage posted his audition clip on his social media platforms, the actor received an outpouring of support from other celebrities. Emmy Award nominee Billy Eichner commented:
“Actors are often (not always but often) treated like garbage and taken advantage of because ‘we’re just lucky to have a job’ and ‘we’re gonna take the job anyway’ etc etc. It’s very f—ked up.”
Lamorne Morris, actor and comedian, shared his honest feelings about the director’s statement:
“I used to walk down the street looking for change so I could eat. I wonder what he would’ve said about me. This s—t pisses me off on another level. I hope this dude wins an Oscar next year and refuses to work with that director for his next project. Keep crushing it dude.”
Other celebrities commended Gage’s “classy response,” while some appreciated the Euphoria star’s simple apartment.
