‘The Idol,’ Starring The Weeknd and Johnny Depp’s daughter, Lily Rose, Criticized for Going Too Far with Sex Scenes

Published on June 6th, 2023 | Updated on June 6th, 2023 | By FanFest

Controversial Show “The Idol” Faces Backlash for Explicit Content as Stars Defend Their Work

HBO’s newest series, “The Idol,” featuring Lily Rose Depp and The Weeknd, has come under fire for its excessive sexual content, with critics accusing it of going “overboard.” The show premiered on Sunday, taking over the prime time slot previously occupied by “Succession,” but failed to impress fans.

One disgruntled viewer took to social media to express their disappointment, stating, “The idol was so creepy, no plot, just vibes (not good ones), all sex, and The Weeknd’s wig is so unserious. If it doesn’t get better, I can’t believe this show got the prime time Sunday night HBO slot.”

“The Idol” revolves around the story of an aspiring pop star who becomes involved with a self-help guru and cult leader. The series was created and written by Sam Levinson, renowned for his work on “Euphoria.”

Several viewers criticized the show for its explicit content, describing it as “creepy” and lacking substance. One user wrote, “Parading around violent sex and excessive nudity as ‘female liberation’… Sam Levinson, I am PRAYING on your downfall!!! #THEIDOL.”

Another user expressed their disappointment, remarking, “#THEIDOL was cringe. It was like one of those movies in the early 2000s men got to make because they wanted to see their favorite actresses nude or in sex scenes. Lily Rose Depp is such a great actress, and this is reductive and sad. And The Weeknd cannot act. Cringe.”

A vocal critic claimed that the show had “gone overboard” with its depiction of sex scenes. However, during the Cannes Film Festival, the cast of “The Idol” defended the provocative nature of the series.

Lily Rose Depp, in an interview with The New York Times, explained, “We always knew that we were going to make something that was going to be provocative and perhaps not for everyone. That was a draw for all of us. I don’t think any of us were interested in making anything that was going to be, you know, fun for the whole family.”

The Weeknd echoed her sentiment, stating, “When I first started making music, it was the exact same thing. It was provocative, and I knew it was going to be tough for people. And a lot of people didn’t like it. Not to compare it, but I feel that this is kind of like that again. This is not going to be for everybody, and that’s fine. We’re not politicians.”

Lily Rose Depp also expressed her admiration for director Sam Levinson, calling him the “best director” she had ever worked with. She emphasized that working with Levinson was a collaborative experience where her opinions and input were valued.

“The Idol” has faced criticism in the past as well. The Rolling Stone published an article featuring interviews with 13 anonymous cast and crew members who described the show as a “rape fantasy” and a “degrading love story with a hollow message.”

Despite the controversy, “The Idol” continues to spark discussions among viewers, with its explicit content and divisive narrative choices making it a topic of debate. Check out the trailer below!