The Weeknd Claps Back at Backlash Over Steamy Scenes in The Idol

The Weeknd has responded to the controversy over his sex scenes in the newest episode of American Idol. In a recent interview with GQ, the singer, whose actual name is Abel Tesfaye, discussed the contentious incident in the second episode of the series. While his character, Tedros, and Lily-Rose Depp’s Jocelyn become personal on film in the sequence, Tesfaye claims there’s nothing “sexy” about it. Tesfaye plays Tedros, a charismatic cult leader/self-help guru who promises Jocelyn (Depp), an aspiring pop singer, the world and would go to any length to make her famous. Tesfaye agrees that Tedros is a horrible person who is in over his head in his pursuit of Jocelyn, which he claims comes across on-screen and even in the sex scenes. The series itself is an emotional rollercoaster, done on purpose to keep the viewers on their toes. Tesfaye claims that no matter how terrible the situation becomes, there is always an element of humour there.

I will never see the weeknd the same after this #theidol pic.twitter.com/m2kTrDLDJw

— Melissa 🥀 (@melissaxperez_) June 12, 2023

This isn’t the first time Tesfaye has defended the programme. He earlier criticised a Rolling Stone exposé that stated the series’ development had “gone wildly, disgustingly off the rails.” In reaction to the criticism, Tesfaye remarked in a Vanity Fair feature, “I thought the article was ridiculous,” adding, “I wanted to give a ridiculous response to it.” When the allegations were initially made public, the singer replied by uploading a clip from the play in which his character dismisses Rolling Stone. Both Depp and his co-star, Hank Azaria, have defended the HBO drama, with Azaria most recently telling the Today programme that every precaution was taken when it came to the series’ naked scenes.

The Weeknd’s acting in #TheIdol pic.twitter.com/7PZRsguLJJ

— Tendai Murevanhema (@tendai_murevzz) June 6, 2023

Abel Tesfaye aka ‘The Weeknd’ Responds to Criticism Over His HBO ‘The Idol’ Sex Scenes

The Weeknd has revealed that Tedros and Jocelyn’s sex scene in The Idol’s second episode was not meant to be seductive. Fans have accused The Weeknd’s character (Tedros) of being exploitative and bigoted towards women after episode two of his new HBO programme (available in the UK on Sky and NOW), which he produced alongside Sam Levinson and Reza Fahim, aired on Sunday (11 June). One sequence in episode two had fans in stitches. It depicts Tedros (who is completely dressed) instructing a blindfolded Jocelyn (Lily-Rose Depp) to realise his sexual desires. He tells her to “f***in’ stretch that tiny, little p**y” at one point. On social media, viewers slammed the scene, calling it disgusting. The Weeknd, the actual name Abel Tesfaye, spoke about the contentious moment and provided more about his character Tedros in a recent interview with GQ. “There’s nothing sexual about it,” he explained. Whatever you’re feeling while seeing that scene, whether it’s agony, grossness, or shame for the characters. All of those feelings add up to one conclusion: this person is in much over his head, and he is not intended to be here.

The Idol (HBO) The Weeknd Sex Scene | NSFW pic.twitter.com/hXjCn1flU9

— The Big Dipper (@GiovanniDeluxxe) June 12, 2023

The sex, it’s very gluttonous, the “Binding Lights” singer responded. This is particularly true in Episode 2. The only thing I am capable of for describing it is gluttony. [Tedros] can hardly believe he’s there. He comes across as such a jerk. Those are the glimpses of humanity in a psychopath, the crack in his armour.” Tedros is a self-help guru and cult leader in the series with a dark and intriguing history. Meanwhile, Jocelyn is a wannabe pop star. You look at [Tedros], and you know that this is a score – Jocelyn could be the most significant score he’s ever had, The Weeknd said of his character. It’s rather evident. He’s overindulging; he enters inside this mansion, gazing around, as if to ask himself, “Goddamn, am I in over my head?” This might be the most difficult task I’ve ever undertaken. “He’s a psychopath, and why sugarcoat it?” He has nothing fascinating or mesmerising about him. And we did that on purpose with his appearance, clothing, and hair – the guy’s a jerk.” He went on to say that his character “cares a lot about his appearance” and “thinks he looks good.” Depp talked with Entertainment Weekly earlier this month about how she and The Weeknd prepared for their roles.

The Weeknd in the idol pic.twitter.com/zmOTIlrLIf

— The Silliest and Goofiest Pookie Of All Time (@DazaiButGoofy) June 12, 2023

The Weeknd in The Idol pic.twitter.com/GNVxLSXbmC

— 🌊 (@Retrofrazzy) June 14, 2023

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