In the third season of The White Lotus, the growing tensions between longtime friends Laurie (Carrie Coon), Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan), and Kate (Leslie Bibb) have been reaching a climactic point — and in Episode 7, those underlying conflicts finally erupt.
During a meal at the resort’s dining area, while hotel manager Fabian (Christian Friedel) showcases his eagerly anticipated musical performance, the trio’s fraught relationship hits a critical juncture. This moment provides a rare insight into the emotional strains fueling Laurie’s animosity toward Jaclyn — perhaps even shedding light on the painful exclamation Laurie made in the series’ premiere.
What transpires is less an ordinary dinner and more a significant confrontation, as the women face long-repressed grievances and betrayals.
What Transpires in Episode 7?
After the tumultuous Full Moon Party in Episodes 5 and 6 (RIP to the Ratliff brothers’ dignity), the repercussions are felt. Jaclyn’s hasty choice to spend the night with wellness coach Valentin (Arnas Fedaravičius) becomes fodder for gossip and scrutiny. To make matters worse, Jaclyn had earlier encouraged Laurie to go after Valentin herself — even while she was in a relationship.
In Episode 6, Jaclyn downplays the encounter, lying to both Kate and Laurie. Meanwhile, Laurie attempts to brush it off with humor, yet her response reveals deeper emotional scars.
By Episode 7, the tension is unmistakable. Over dinner accompanied by a bottle of rosé, Laurie makes a notable remark about Jaclyn feeling fatigued — and the figurative gloves come off. Laurie accuses Jaclyn of dishonesty, leading Kate to minimize the issue. However, Laurie won’t allow it to go unevaluated.
“Was it no big deal when she did the same with Dave?” Laurie queries, referencing an event from her wedding 15 years prior. Dave, it turns out, is Kate’s current husband. According to Laurie, Jaclyn was “all over” him during the wedding — a statement that brings Jaclyn’s actions into an unsettling new perspective.
While it’s uncertain if Kate and Dave were officially in a relationship at that time, Laurie’s allegation implies Jaclyn has crossed a boundary, indicating this isn’t the first incident of her blurring lines with her friends’ romantic partners.
Jaclyn refutes the accusation, but considering her history — including her recent dishonesty regarding Valentin — her reliability is questionable. The confrontation concludes with Laurie storming off to a Muay Thai event, leaving emotional chaos and unresolved questions in her wake.
What Truly Occurred at Laurie’s Wedding?
Whether we’ll receive a clear answer in the finale is still uncertain. Yet, clues are abundant.
In Episode 1, when the trio first arrives at the White Lotus resort, Laurie retreats to her room prematurely. Observing Jaclyn and Kate in pleasant conversation, she emits a raw, anguish-filled wail — a moment that now carries significant weight. This outcry may have been the earliest indication of Laurie’s profound emotional fatigue and the strain of years spent in complicated friendships.
As the season progresses, it has become increasingly apparent that Jaclyn has a tendency to compete with her friends, particularly concerning romantic pursuits. Her behavior toward Valentin — and potentially with Dave — hints at a toxic undercurrent within her relationships with Laurie and Kate.
Will Kate address Jaclyn about the truth regarding Laurie’s wedding? Will she reassess their friendship in light of these insights? And will Laurie finally find the closure she desperately seeks?
One thing is certain: we’ll need more clarity — and perhaps a flashback or two — in the finale.
The White Lotus Season 3 is currently available for streaming on Max, with new episodes airing Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.