The White Lotus Season 3 Episode 5: Why Fabian Shockingly Turns His Back on Belinda
The White Lotus Season 3 Episode 5 (Photo: HBO)

The White Lotus Season 3 Episode 5, Is Fabian’s Silence a Strategic Move?

Belinda’s fear is palpable. She knows that Greg – or “Gary,” as he calls himself – isn’t who he pretends to be. She understands that he has evaded the law before, and there’s a very real chance he has even committed murder.

Yet, when she seeks help from Fabian, the general manager of The White Lotus Thai Resort, he refuses to intervene.

Why? Why would someone in his position turn a blind eye when a guest’s safety is at stake?

Why Does Fabian Protect Guests with Criminal Pasts?

Fabian’s role extends beyond traditional hospitality—it demands discretion. At an exclusive resort like The White Lotus, where the wealthy come to escape their troubles, an unspoken rule prevails: keep secrets, ask no questions, and ensure the resort remains a sanctuary for its high-profile visitors.

Greg, or “Gary,” isn’t just any guest. He’s a wealthy, well-connected regular, and in Fabian’s world, that carries weight.

For Fabian, safeguarding Greg’s secrets isn’t a matter of personal allegiance—it’s about upholding the resort’s pristine reputation. While Belinda, a fellow White Lotus employee, will eventually move on, Greg will continue to return, spending money and ensuring that The White Lotus remains a safe harbor for individuals like him.

Fabian likely grasps the reality that Greg isn’t the only one with skeletons in his closet. The resort undoubtedly plays host to numerous “LBHs” (Losers Back Home)—men fleeing scandals, financial crimes, or even worse offenses. Disrupting the status quo by exposing one guest’s misdeeds could unravel an entire system of secrecy that keeps the resort functioning.

Does Fabian Know That Greg Murdered Tanya?

Greg’s decision to return to a White Lotus property following the suspicious death of his wife, Tanya, is highly questionable. Why would he willingly place himself under scrutiny again? The most logical explanation is that he feels protected. But by whom?

It’s entirely plausible that The White Lotus Thai Resort operates under an implicit agreement: those with wealth and influence can seek refuge there, free from outside interference, as long as they don’t bring overt trouble to the resort.

Fabian’s responsibilities extend beyond managing the resort—he is also responsible for preserving this arrangement. If Greg was indeed involved in Tanya’s demise, Fabian may already be aware of it. Worse, he may have been explicitly told to turn a blind eye.

There’s also the possibility that Greg’s presence at the resort isn’t a coincidence. Someone might have directed him to The White Lotus as a known haven for individuals “who don’t want to be found.”

If Fabian is part of a broader system designed to shield such people, stepping in to help Belinda could place him in jeopardy.

The White Lotus Season 3 Episode 5 (Photo: HBO)

Fabian’s decision to ignore Belinda’s concerns isn’t mere indifference—it’s a calculated move. By refusing to act, he ensures that the existing power structure remains undisturbed. He understands the dangers of provoking those who wield influence—especially when those individuals could easily make him disappear.

Additionally, as the right-hand man of Sritala Hollinger, the co-owner of the resort, Fabian’s primary loyalty likely lies with the business itself.

If The White Lotus has cultivated an underground reputation as a sanctuary for the ultra-wealthy and morally dubious, exposing Greg could dismantle the entire operation. And Fabian? He’s not willing to be the one who ignites that downfall.

What Does This Mean for Belinda?

For Belinda, Fabian’s refusal to help is more than just frustrating—it’s a chilling realization. She turned to him because she believed he was the only person with the power to protect her, but instead, he left her completely vulnerable.

This raises serious concerns about her safety. If Greg is truly dangerous, and if The White Lotus is actively shielding him, what does that mean for her future?

With no allies and no protection, Belinda is left to fend for herself. And if history has taught us anything about The White Lotus, it’s that those who uncover too much rarely escape unscathed.

Final Thoughts: Is Fabian the Villain or Just Another Cog in the Machine?

Fabian’s refusal to help Belinda isn’t solely about Greg—it’s indicative of a much larger issue. It highlights the power dynamics that govern The White Lotus and the unspoken rules that dictate its operations.

While he may not be the one committing crimes, his silence makes him complicit. Whether he’s prioritizing his own survival, protecting the resort, or concealing something even more sinister, one thing remains certain: at The White Lotus, staying alive isn’t about doing what’s right—it’s about knowing when to look the other way.