The new HBO series The Idol is now facing controversy after its creator Sam Levinson is accused of heightening its sexual content and nudity, making it look like a "rape fantasy" and a "sexual torture porn."
The claim comes after Rolling Stone published a story on Wednesday, March 1, about 13 alleged members of The Idol's cast and crew's discomfort over the show's creative direction. Later, HBO and the upcoming series' stars, Lily-Rose Depp and Abel "The Weeknd" Tesfaye, come to Levinson's defense.
The Complaints About The Idol's Theme
A production member told the magazine that the Euphoria creator's take on the series was like "any rape fantasy that any toxic man would have in a show."
"And then the woman comes back for more because it makes her music better," the source continued.
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"It was like, 'What is this? What am I reading here?" another said. "It was like sexual torture porn."
HBO Defends Sam Levinson
But despite the complaints, HBO defended Levinson, telling Page Six it was pleased with The Idol's production after the filmmaker took the mantle.
"The creators and producers of The Idol have been working hard to create one of HBO's most exciting and provocative original programs," it said in a statement.
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"The initial approach on the show and production of the early episodes, unfortunately, did not meet HBO standards so we chose to make a change," it continued. "Throughout the process, the creative team has been committed to creating a safe, collaborative, and mutually respectful working environment, and last year, the team made creative changes they felt were in the best interest of both the production and the cast and crew. We look forward to sharing The Idol with audiences soon."
Lily-Rose Depp, The Weeknd, Come to Sam Levinson's Rescue
Aside from HBO, Lily-Rose and The Weeknd also came to Levinson's rescue.
"Sam is, for so many reasons, the best director I have ever worked with. Never have I felt more supported or respected in a creative space, my input and opinions more valued," Johnny Depp's daughter stated, per People.
"Working with Sam is a true collaboration in every way - it matters to him, more than anything, not only what his actors think about the work, but how we feel performing it," she added. "He hires people whose work he esteems and has always created an environment in which I felt seen, heard, and appreciated."
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The Weeknd, alternatively, addressed Rolling Stone's claim by posting a clip on Instagram and tagging the publication.
"Did we upset you?" he captioned his post, which featured a scene from the show where Dan Levy's character pitched Tedros (The Weeknd) and Jocelyn (Lily-Rose) to do a photo shoot for the cover of Rolling Stone.
"Rolling Stone? Aren't they a little irrelevant?" Tedros asked. "Rolling Stone has 6 million followers on Instagram, half of them probably bots. And Jocelyn has 78 million followers, all real, I'd assume. So she does a photo shoot, she tags them, they get her followers. More money for Rolling Stone, nothing for Jocelyn."
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