The Pitt's Laetitia Hollard on what went behind the sensitive rape kit episode
The Pitt Season 2 featured a deeply sensitive episode on sexual assault. Actor Laetitia Hollard highlighted the extensive preparation and empathy involved in portraying trauma-informed care.
Actor Laetitia Hollard, who made her acting debut as nurse Emma in The Pitt, has opened up about what went into filming one of the most-discussed episodes of Season 2 - a deeply affecting storyline centred on a sexual assault survivor.
During a conversation with India Today, Hollard spoke about the preparation, research and emotional responsibility that shaped the episode, widely praised for its sensitive and realistic portrayal of the rape kit examination process.
‘We knew about it much earlier than usual’
Unlike the show’s usual fast-paced production cycle, Hollard revealed that the team had significantly more time to prepare for this particular storyline.
“A lot of care, a lot and a lot of care went into that episode,” she said. “We normally get the scripts about four days before, sometimes more, sometimes less. But I knew about the sexual assault plot line about a month and a half before.”
The early heads-up wasn’t incidental — it was part of a deliberate effort to ensure authenticity.
All about the much-discussed episode
The rape kit examination that was shown in episodes 7 and 8 in The Pitt is handled with restraint, focusing on the process rather than dramatics. The survivor is at the centre of it all, and the show makes sure her agency is never taken away. Every step of the examination is explained to her, whether it’s collecting evidence or documenting injuries, and she’s constantly reminded that she can stop at any point. The portrayal avoids stereotypes, showing a mix of strength, hesitation, and quiet determination that feels authentic. It doesn't look evasive but sensitive.
At the same time, you see how the medical team navigates this delicate situation. Dana (LaNasa), leads the exam as the SANE (sexual assault nurse). She makes sure the exam is done properly while also helping Emma (Hollard) understand how to handle it. Emma, on the other hand, who is still finding her footing, is careful, a little overwhelmed, but deeply empathetic. Their dynamic adds depth to the scene, showing how experience and sensitivity work together in such cases. The episode remains grounded throughout, highlighting care, patience, and professionalism in an emotionally complex situation.
Research rooted in real-world experience
To prepare, Hollard visited UCLA Health Rape Treatment Center in Santa Monica, where she observed and learnt from professionals who handle such cases in real life. She was accompanied by her co-star Katherine LaNasa, who plays nurse Dana in the series.
“They wanted me to see and learn from real professionals,” Hollard explained. “We had very specific questions — how the procedure works, who is allowed in the room, what the patient's responses are, and what the emotional experience is like for the nurse practitioner.”
The experience, she said, was eye-opening in its complexity. "It was really interesting to hear that these cases are not always the same. Some people come in distressed, some come in knowing exactly what they want, wanting people to know what happened. It’s different every time," Hollard added.
Portraying care, not just procedure
Season 2's Episode 8 (often discussed alongside Episode 7) features a pivotal sequence where Dana guides Emma through a rape kit examination. The scene stands out for its quiet intensity — focusing not just on the technicalities of evidence collection, but on the language, consent, and emotional support extended to the patient.
Hollard emphasised that understanding the caregiver’s role was central to her performance. “As the care provider, it’s important to be there, to help and provide the care that they can,” she said.
The episode has been described by viewers and critics as a rare, thoughtful depiction of sexual assault response on television.
The Pitt, which also stars Noah Wyle, Katherine LaNasa, Patrick Ball, Taylor Dearden, Isa Briones and Gerran Howell, is streaming on JioHotstar.
Actor Laetitia Hollard, who made her acting debut as nurse Emma in The Pitt, has opened up about what went into filming one of the most-discussed episodes of Season 2 - a deeply affecting storyline centred on a sexual assault survivor.
During a conversation with India Today, Hollard spoke about the preparation, research and emotional responsibility that shaped the episode, widely praised for its sensitive and realistic portrayal of the rape kit examination process.
‘We knew about it much earlier than usual’
Unlike the show’s usual fast-paced production cycle, Hollard revealed that the team had significantly more time to prepare for this particular storyline.
“A lot of care, a lot and a lot of care went into that episode,” she said. “We normally get the scripts about four days before, sometimes more, sometimes less. But I knew about the sexual assault plot line about a month and a half before.”
The early heads-up wasn’t incidental — it was part of a deliberate effort to ensure authenticity.
All about the much-discussed episode
The rape kit examination that was shown in episodes 7 and 8 in The Pitt is handled with restraint, focusing on the process rather than dramatics. The survivor is at the centre of it all, and the show makes sure her agency is never taken away. Every step of the examination is explained to her, whether it’s collecting evidence or documenting injuries, and she’s constantly reminded that she can stop at any point. The portrayal avoids stereotypes, showing a mix of strength, hesitation, and quiet determination that feels authentic. It doesn't look evasive but sensitive.
At the same time, you see how the medical team navigates this delicate situation. Dana (LaNasa), leads the exam as the SANE (sexual assault nurse). She makes sure the exam is done properly while also helping Emma (Hollard) understand how to handle it. Emma, on the other hand, who is still finding her footing, is careful, a little overwhelmed, but deeply empathetic. Their dynamic adds depth to the scene, showing how experience and sensitivity work together in such cases. The episode remains grounded throughout, highlighting care, patience, and professionalism in an emotionally complex situation.
Research rooted in real-world experience
To prepare, Hollard visited UCLA Health Rape Treatment Center in Santa Monica, where she observed and learnt from professionals who handle such cases in real life. She was accompanied by her co-star Katherine LaNasa, who plays nurse Dana in the series.
“They wanted me to see and learn from real professionals,” Hollard explained. “We had very specific questions — how the procedure works, who is allowed in the room, what the patient's responses are, and what the emotional experience is like for the nurse practitioner.”
The experience, she said, was eye-opening in its complexity. "It was really interesting to hear that these cases are not always the same. Some people come in distressed, some come in knowing exactly what they want, wanting people to know what happened. It’s different every time," Hollard added.
Portraying care, not just procedure
Season 2's Episode 8 (often discussed alongside Episode 7) features a pivotal sequence where Dana guides Emma through a rape kit examination. The scene stands out for its quiet intensity — focusing not just on the technicalities of evidence collection, but on the language, consent, and emotional support extended to the patient.
Hollard emphasised that understanding the caregiver’s role was central to her performance. “As the care provider, it’s important to be there, to help and provide the care that they can,” she said.
The episode has been described by viewers and critics as a rare, thoughtful depiction of sexual assault response on television.
The Pitt, which also stars Noah Wyle, Katherine LaNasa, Patrick Ball, Taylor Dearden, Isa Briones and Gerran Howell, is streaming on JioHotstar.
