‘It’s almost educational’: The Weeknd defends his controversial ‘Idol’ streak

It was already rejected even before its release – due to chaotic production and disagreements expressed during the behind-the-scenes investigation of director Amy Seimetz’s departure from the project. Rolling Stone — and just as under fire from critics since it began airing, The Idol is no longer immune to controversy.

Created and created by Sam Levinson, Abel Tesfaye (aka The Weeknd) and Reza Fahim, the series delves into the hell of Jocelyn (Lily-Rose Depp), a depressed pop star hoping to make a comeback.

But she falls in love with Tedros (The Weeknd), a nightclub owner with a troubled past, who reignites the fire in her. Will this romance take her to the top of her game, or will it sink her to the depths of her soul?

Idol, an “educational” series?

If The Idol is mostly talked about for its vulgar sex scenes and its raunchy sides, it also discusses the harmful effects of the star system and the media pressure faced by a popular singer, no less than Britney Spears.

It was on this topic that The Weeknd wanted The Idol audience to linger more. in the interview varietyThe singer explained that it was his goal “Changing the way people think about celebrities” :

“It’s almost educational, it evokes everything that comes with amazing stardom. You’re surrounded by people whose true intentions you don’t know, even if they seem good to you. You never know.”

The star thus causes toxic exposure, as does his character Tedros with Jocelyn, who revolves around celebrity. “I’m very lucky to have people around me that I’ve known almost my whole life, which is important and that’s a gift.”He believes.

The Weeknd returns to certain individuals who surround Jocelyn and whom he defines as “yes men” or yes-men, people who agree with everything their superior says or does to make themselves look good or avoid conflicts:

There is nothing worse than a “yes man”, especially when you have a group of “yes men” around you. And when you see a character like Nick who isn’t a “yes man,” he might come off as mean, but you actually like him because he’s honest. So it’s a very difficult situation for Jocelyn.”

So how will Joseline come out of it at the end of The Idol when she’s surrounded, as The Weeknd explains, by “yes men” on her artistic team and her inner circle, but also by her toxic boyfriend? Only two episodes left to find out.

The first four episodes of The Idol are available on Prime Video with Warner Pass.