In the popular HBO series Euphoria, a major plot point revolves around a sex tape that was secretly recorded of characters Cal Jacobs and Jules Vaughn. The tape contains footage of an encounter between the two, which occurred when Jules was underage and Cal did not realize. The tape has been passed between several characters, and its whereabouts are currently unknown. This has led to intense speculation among fans: Who currently possesses the infamous sex tape depicting Cal and Jules?
How was the tape created?
The tape was originally recorded by Cal Jacobs during an encounter with Jules at a motel. Cal frequently met up with people for anonymous sexual encounters, and he secretly videotaped the meetings without the other person’s consent or knowledge. When Cal met up with Jules, he did not realize that she was underage or trans. The tape captured footage of their sexual activity.
Afterwards, Cal took the tape and kept it among his collection of other recordings. He did not intend to ever share or release the tapes – they were for his personal use. So at first, Cal was the only one who had access to the tape depicting himself and Jules.
How did the tape end up getting passed around?
The tape changed hands when Cal’s son Nate discovered the box of tapes. Nate was shocked and appalled by what he found – graphic recordings of his father’s sexual encounters. Nate took the tape of Cal and Jules when he realized it involved someone underage.
Rather than destroying the tape or turning it over to authorities, Nate used it for blackmail. He threatened to release the tape and expose Cal’s illegal activity if Cal did not comply with his demands. Nate wanted his father to stay in an unhappy marriage with Nate’s mother.
When Nate realized the tape also involved Jules, he used it to blackmail her as well. He forced her to testify in court that she had falsely accused a classmate of sexual assault. By threatening to release the tape, Nate manipulated both Cal and Jules.
How did Fezco get the tape?
Fezco entered the picture when he took the tape off Nate’s unconscious body. After confronting Nate about his blackmail of Jules, Fezco beat Nate up and took the tape from him.
Unlike Nate, Fezco had no interest in blackmailing anyone with the tape. But he did hold onto it, hoping to protect Jules by keeping it out of Nate’s hands. So for a time, Fezco secretly had sole possession of the Cal/Jules sex tape.
How did the tape fall back into Nate’s hands?
In an attempt to get the tape back, Nate hatched an elaborate plan. He knew Fezco kept the tape hidden in a safe, so Nate began manipulating Fezco’s younger brother Ashtray. Under a fake identity, Nate started buying drugs from Ashtray and gained his trust. Then Nate convinced Ashtray to let him into Fezco’s safe so he could steal back the tape.
The plan was successful – Ashtray gave Nate the combination to the safe, not realizing Nate’s true identity and motives. Nate recovered the tape, once again giving him sole possession of the incriminating footage.
Did the police ever get the tape?
At one point, the tape did end up in police custody. After Fezco realized the tape was stolen from his safe, he suspected Nate was responsible. Fezco physically confronted Nate about it at school, beating him badly in front of witnesses.
Fezco was arrested for the brutal assault. While in custody, Fezco confessed to the police that he attacked Nate over a “video tape.” This led the police to legally seize the tape from Nate as evidence related to the assault investigation.
However, Nate’s lawyer was corrupt and working for Nate’s family. The lawyer used underhanded tactics to get the tape suppressed as evidence. So the police were forced to return the tape to Nate yet again.
Who has the tape now?
After the tape was returned to Nate from the police, it was last known to be in his possession. However, the events of the season finale have called that into question.
In the final episode, Fezco’s home was raided by police responding to an anonymous tip about drug dealing. A violent shootout ensued, leaving Fezco’s fate unknown. But before the raid, Fezco was seen hiding a mysterious disc – presumably the Cal/Jules tape – in a locker at the high school.
So while Nate was the last known person to have the tape, it is likely now hidden at the school. Going into season 3, the tape’s exact whereabouts are once again a mystery.
Who knows about the tape’s existence?
Here is a list of all the characters who are aware of the Cal/Jules sex tape and its contents:
- Cal Jacobs – Originator of the tape
- Nate Jacobs – Son of Cal who obtained tape via blackmail
- Jules Vaughn – Other person on the tape, being blackmailed by Nate
- Rue Bennett – Friend of Jules who was told about the tape
- Elliot – Friend of Rue and Jules who helped hide tape
- Fezco – Took tape to protect Jules
- Ashtray – Fezco’s brother who gave Nate access to the safe
- Police – Briefly had custody of the tape
So those main characters all have awareness of the sex tape and its explosive contents. However, none of their parents or other adults have been made aware of the tape’s existence.
What impact could the tape have if released?
The tape remaining private is crucial because its release would have devastating consequences:
- Cal could be criminally charged for taping sexual activity without consent.
- Footage of a sexual encounter with an underage person could lead to charges of statutory rape against Cal.
- Jules could be exposed against her will as trans and a minor in a graphic sexual context.
- Nate’s blackmail schemes against Cal and Jules would be revealed.
- The Jacobs family would face public shame and scandal.
In summary, the tape’s release would likely lead to criminal charges for Cal while also exposing Jules against her will. It would embarrass the Jacobs family and out Nate as an extortionist.
Will the tape get released in season 3?
Fans continue to speculate if the tape will ever be made public within the show’s narrative. There are compelling reasons to believe both yes and no:
Yes – Now that the tape is hidden at school, there is chance another character could discover it and release it. Or Fezco may release it to implicate Cal and protect Jules. The tape getting out would create drama.
No – Nate remains determined to control the tape. He still has leverage over Jules and Cal as long as it remains private. Show creator Sam Levinson likely wants to prolong the blackmail plot.
Overall, the tape getting released would significantly alter character dynamics and conflicts on the show. It remains the series’ biggest wild card going into season 3.
Conclusion
The sex tape containing footage of Cal Jacobs and Jules Vaughn remains a central mystery in Euphoria’s plot. Its exact location is currently unknown after changing hands multiple times. While Nate was last known to have the tape, Fezco likely hid it in the school before his violent confrontation with police.
The tape’s release could have devastating consequences for Jacobs family and lead to criminal charges against Cal. Nate has used threats of releasing the tape to blackmail both Cal and Jules. Jules, Rue, Fezco and others are also aware of the tape but want to protect Jules from exposure.
Going into season 3, fans are eager to learn more about the tape’s whereabouts and whether its scandalous contents will finally be revealed. The tape remains a key driver of drama, mystery and manipulation among the show’s characters.