The Weeknd Opposes Criticisms Against Upcoming Show 'The Idol': 'Hollywood is a Dark Place'

The Weeknd's upcoming HBO series "The Idol" has not even premiered yet, but there are all sorts of rumors surrounding it and the "problematic" plot it has going on.

But it seems like the rumors and criticisms are the last things on the "Blinding Lights" singer's mind right now.

"I thought the article was ridiculous. I wanted to give a ridiculous response to it," the Canadian native said in an interview.

The Weeknd is referring to a Rolling Stone article that was written about "The Idol" and how it was "twisted torture porn" and "rapey."

"I mean, this isn't a secret," The Weeknd said about the allegations. "Hollywood is a dark place. Which makes for great art."

The Weeknd's Universe

When asked whether his upcoming series, which he helmed alongside Sam Levinson, the brain behind another HBO hit series "Euphoria," the singer gave emphasis that he is not playing as himself or his alter ego.

"I'm not playing myself, but those characters live in The Weeknd's universe,

"Tedros is that superego that we as men wanna stay away from as much as possible, that's inside of us and we just gotta kill that," The Weeknd explained. "Jocelyn is a famous pop star. The people around her and her ethos and her community, they're all inspired by things I know about the music industry."

"The Idol" will feature some of the industry's most popular faces today, including Lily-Rose Depp, Jennie from BLACKPINK, Troye Sivan, Dan Levy, Suzanna Son, Rachell Sennott, and more.

Inspiration

"The Idol" follows the story of a pop star named Jocelyn, played by Depp, and a cult leader named Tedros, played by The Weeknd.

While the singer slash producer is actually yet to disclose what inspired him to write such a plot for the upcoming series, he did, however, talk about the reaction that he wants to garner from the audience.

"I do love a dark story, whether it's Greek mythology, whether it's Shakespearean tragedy, whether it's a fucking Chan-wook Park film," The Weeknd said. "I enjoy what it makes me feel. It makes me react."

These sentiments were echoed by the singer's co-star, Depp, who had this to say: "I want to leave people the opportunity to be surprised,

"I think it's interesting that people have so much to say about the show already and they haven't even seen it."

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The Weeknd