On-set sources called the singer's forthcoming HBO show "degrading and offensive."

The Weeknd has reacted to allegations that there was turmoil on set while working on "The Idol," his upcoming HBO show.

The Weeknd, also known as Abel Tesfaye, teamed up for the new show with Sam Levinson, creator of "Euphoria." The series stars The Weeknd in a role as a cult-leader, alongside Lily Rose Depp, who plays a young popstar. Rolling Stone's expose in March about the show's alleged production problems, which included the loss of its original director Amy Seimetz before scrapping and starting from scratch, drew criticism.

Rolling Stone described the series as "plagued with delays, reshoots and rewrites"; one source called it "a s---show." The new version was described as "more of an offensive love story, with a hollow and degrading message" by some crew members. Another source said that the new version had become "more like a degrading rape fantasia that any toxic male would have on the show."

Tesfaye, in a recent interview with Vanity Fair addressed the issue of Seimetz first.

"I really enjoyed working with Amy, and I know she will be reading this thinking, "Why am I being forced into this?" He told the outlet that her schedule and production deadlines were responsible for her departure. He said that "Shows are reshot daily," adding that he did not want to rush the production of his first TV show.

He insisted the reshoots did not center the show around him instead of Depp’s character. "I know that it's easy to say, 'Oh he wanted the star'," and added that Levinson was the one who convinced him to even appear in the series.

Tesfaye thought the article was trying "to say that these are rapists who are trying to make a rape fantasia," telling Vanity Fair "there were certain things in that description which have nothing to do at all with my persona."

"I do nothing" I am at home with my dog, my closest friends and my family. "I try to keep myself out of trouble whenever I can," he said. "I don't like to stay too long at parties, I am not that person."

"The Idol", premieres on HBO June 4, 2023.

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Title: The Weeknd Responds to 'Ridiculous' Claims 'The Idol' Set Was a Total 'S---show'
Sourced From: www.toofab.com/2023/05/16/the-weeknd-the-idol-vanity-fair/
Published Date: Tue, 16 May 2023 15:41:35 +0000

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