White Lotus’ Michelle Monaghan Reacts to Jaclyn’s Shocking Betrayal—& Teases What’s Next

Michelle Monaghan listens and doesn’t judge—especially when it comes to acting.

The White Lotus star’s character Jaclyn Lemon, shocked viewers on the March 16 episode when she betrayed her best friend Laurie (Carrie Coon) and slept with hotel staffer Valentin (Arnas Fedaravicius)—the same man she’d seemingly been trying to set Laurie up with since the beginning of their Thailand vacation.

But Michelle isn’t one to raise eyebrows. “I never judge my character,” Michelle joked with E! News in an exclusive interview. “I just don’t do that, an actor never judges their characters.”

After all, there are many layers to this female friendship. “I think that she was really authentic in the sense that she really wanted Laurie to hook up with this guy, it was a perfect weekend for a fling,” the 48-year-old added. “And I think that one of the challenges of Jaclyn, and what the qualities that she needs to work on is the idea that she needs a lot of external validation.”

It’s why Jaclyn—who has a partner back home—still felt dissatisfied.