The Weeknd addresses his controversial reaction to The Idol’s report: “I wanted to give a ridiculous answer.”

Abel Tesfaye, better known by his stage name The Weeknd, has detailed his controversial reaction to a report published in March about his upcoming series the idol

In the report of Rolling StoneSources who worked on the HBO American drama co-created by Tesfaye, euphoriaSam Levinson and Reza Fahim, creators of ‘s, claimed that the series was “disgustingly off the rails” and cited a number of disturbing claims about plotted storylines that took an overwhelmingly dark turn.

The report also claimed that a number of changes were made to the series after original director Amy Seimetz left and was replaced by euphoria Creator Levinson, resulting in a “rape” narrative that “went from satire to what satirized it.” Another unnamed production staffer said the show was like a “rape fantasy.”

In the drama, which has undergone extensive re-shoots, Lily-Rose Depp plays the troubled pop star Jocelyn, who falls victim to filthy cult leader Tedros (The Weeknd).

At the time, the Canadian actor and musician responded to the allegations by simply posting a preview clip from the series on Instagram with the words: “Rolling Stone Did we upset you?”

Tesfaye elaborated on the allegations in a cover story interview published on Tuesday (May 16). Vanity Fairand shared why he chose to respond directly to a March report Rolling Stone.

“I found the article ridiculous. I wanted to give a ridiculous answer to that,” the Grammy and Billboard Music Award winner said of his decision to respond with the clip.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with Amy and I’m sure she’s reading all of this with the question, ‘Why am I thrown in there?'”

Tesfaye continued to defend the show against the allegations Vanity Fair He reported that “logistical difficulties with Seimetz’s schedule,” production schedules, and “a desire not to rush his first show” were behind the series’ overhaul. “Shows are reshot every day,” he added.

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“That’s the hardships and tangles, and that’s what the show is about,” he said.

Lily-Rose Depp, who stars on the show, said she wanted to give viewers room to “be surprised” and questioned the negative reception surrounding the show.

“I find it interesting that people already have so much to say about the show but haven’t even seen it,” she said loudly The Hollywood Reporter.

With over 75 million records sold, Tesfaye is one of the best-selling music artists in the world. His 2020 track “Blinding Lights” became the most streamed song in Spotify history and Tesfaye was charted by Time named one of the most influential people in the world in the same year.

the idol comes as Tesfaye changed his name on all his social media accounts after announcing he wanted to “kill” his stage name The Weeknd and be “born again”.

In an interview with W Magazine earlier this month, Tesfaye revealed his plans to ditch his alter ego after one “last hooray”.

“It’s gotten to a point and a point in time where I’m preparing to close the chapter on The Weeknd,” he said.

“I’ll still be making music, maybe as Abel, maybe as The Weeknd. But I still want to kill The Weeknd. And I will. Ultimately. I’m definitely trying to shed that skin and be reborn.”

The Independent has reached out to representatives from Amy Seimetz and Sam Levinson for comment.

the idol The premiere on HBO is scheduled for June 4th.