Aimee Lou Wood has come out in strong support of her fellow actor Patrick Schwarzenegger, defending him against claims that he secured his role in HBO’s acclaimed series The White Lotus due to nepotism. Schwarzenegger, 31, portrayed Saxon Ratliffe in the show’s latest season, but has faced criticism suggesting that his famous lineage—being the son of former California governor and Hollywood superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger and journalist Maria Shriver—played a significant role in his casting.
During a February 2025 appearance on Dear Media’s Real Pod podcast, Schwarzenegger addressed the “nepo baby” allegations head-on. He remarked, “There’ll be other people that’ll say, well, ‘I wonder what his dad paid him to get that job.’ You know, what am I going to do? Convince all these people that that’s not true? It’s just such a waste of my energy.”
In his candid comments, Schwarzenegger acknowledged the persistent nature of public opinion, stating, “I’m never, ever going to convince everybody out there that I’m — that I work hard, that I have my own values in life, that I want to make my own name for myself, that I don’t do drugs, that I’m not a screw-up, that I’m not a bad, mean person. Everyone’s always going to have their opinion of you — no matter what.”
Following these remarks, Wood took to Instagram on May 4, 2025, to reshare a clip from the podcast, emphasizing her belief in Schwarzenegger’s dedication and character. She described him as the “hardest working and kindest man ever,” showcasing her support amidst the ongoing scrutiny he faces.
Interestingly, Wood’s public endorsement comes during a period of speculation regarding her relationship with co-star Walton Goggins, who played her on-screen love interest in the show. Reports surfaced that Wood and Goggins had unfollowed each other on Instagram, sparking rumors of a feud. However, Goggins addressed these speculations in a recent interview with The Times, stating, “I’m not gonna have that conversation,” and quickly shifting the focus to another topic.
Patrick Schwarzenegger’s journey in acting began at a young age. He made his debut at just 10 years old in the 2006 family comedy The Benchwarmers, which starred notable actors such as David Spade and Rob Schneider. Since then, he has appeared in various productions, including Grown Ups 2 (2013), a guest role in Scream Queens (2015), and the thriller Go North (2017). Before landing his breakout role in The White Lotus, he also starred in the superhero drama Gen V on Prime Video and FX’s sports drama anthology American Sports Story, where he portrayed Tim Tebow.
The term “nepo baby” has gained traction in recent years, particularly after a series of articles published by Vulture that delved into Hollywood’s “nepo-verse.” This label refers to the children of celebrities who benefit from their parents’ fame and connections to succeed in the entertainment industry. Many in the industry, including actors like Maude Apatow, have voiced their frustration with the term. Apatow, the daughter of director Judd Apatow and actress Leslie Mann, expressed a similar sentiment to Schwarzenegger in a 2022 interview, stating, “I try not to let it get to me because I obviously understand that I’m in such a lucky position. A lot of people [in a similar position] have proven themselves over the years, so I’ve got to keep going and make good work.”
Despite the challenges and perceptions surrounding his career, Schwarzenegger remains focused on his aspirations. He has expressed interest in taking on the iconic role of Patrick Bateman in Luca Guadagnino's upcoming adaptation of American Psycho. On May 1, 2025, he responded to a fan suggestion on social media, saying, “I’d love nothing more.”
As the conversation around nepotism in Hollywood continues, Wood’s unwavering support for Schwarzenegger highlights the complexities of navigating public perception in the entertainment industry. While the term “nepo baby” may carry a negative connotation, it also raises questions about merit, hard work, and the value of personal achievements in the shadow of a famous lineage.
As both actors continue to carve out their paths in a competitive industry, their experiences reflect broader themes of resilience and determination. The support from peers like Wood can serve as a reminder that behind every public persona is a personal story of struggle and ambition.
In a world where public opinion can be swift and unforgiving, Aimee Lou Wood’s defense of Patrick Schwarzenegger underscores the importance of recognizing individual effort and integrity, regardless of familial connections.
