The Weeknd Opens Up About The Idol Controversy: 'None of This Is a Surprise'

The amount of backlash surrounding Sam Levinson's show The Idol, which debuted on HBO earlier this month, is hard to beat. The premiere episode alone unleashed a wave of bashing comments and reviews all over the Internet, which, despite the negative sentiment, ensured huge ratings and even bigger discussion for the show.

As it turns out, such strong public reaction did not faze Abel 'The Weeknd' Tesfaye, who serves as executive producer, lead actor, and co-creator of The Idol.

'That very much expected,' the actor-singer told Variety when asked if he was disheartened by the audience's response. 'We're playing with genres with this show, we're doing exactly what we wanted to do. And none of this is a surprise.'

The Weeknd plays a manipulative and somewhat ridiculous dark character named Tedros, a music entrepreneur and cult leader-type figure who takes control of the sexual, personal, and professional life of the protagonist, Lily-Rose Depp's Jocelyn, a troubled and mentally unstable pop star struggling to return to global fame after a nervous breakdown.

While the show's graphic scenes of sex, violence, and psychological manipulation don't sit well with many viewers, that was apparently an intentional creative decision. Tesfaye said in his interview that the dark side of fame is what The Idol focuses on.

'My goal was for people to feel that way when they watch it, you know, and that they'll reassess [fame],' he said. 'It's almost educational, that this is what comes with being incredibly famous. You're surrounded by people who you're not sure what their true intentions are, even if it seems like they're good. You just never know.'

The co-creator was vague about whether the upcoming episodes will manage to open up a different side of the show and add to The Weeknd's seemingly one-dimensional character, but he promised that viewers will not feel unsatisfied.

'I'm excited for everyone to watch the rest of the show,' The Weeknd said, leaving fans intrigued.

The Idol Episode 4 premieres on HBO on Sunday, June 25, with two final episodes airing in July.

Source: Variety.