Unveiling the Most Awkwardly Intense Moments in HBO's Sensational Series 'The Idol'

The Idol garnered attention and sparked controversy with its explicit sex scenes and awkward storytelling when it premiered on HBO. Prior to its release in June 2023, Rolling Stone published an exposé in March 2023, revealing that the series was delayed due to a hostile working environment and last-minute script changes. Numerous sources alleged that co-creators Sam Levinson and The Weeknd were responsible for fostering a toxic atmosphere.

HBO responded to the delays and changes in personnel for the show in a statement to Variety. They explained that the initial approach to the show and the production of the early episodes did not meet their standards, which led them to make a change. Throughout the process, the creative team has been dedicated to creating a safe and collaborative working environment. Last year, they made creative changes that they believed were in the best interest of the production, as well as the cast and crew.

In response to the controversy surrounding the production, The Weeknd, also known as Abel Tesfaye, retaliated by sharing a clip from the unreleased pilot in which his character, Tedros, mocked Rolling Stone.

"Rolling Stone boasts 6 million followers on Instagram, although it is suspected that half of them are automated accounts. On the other hand, Jocelyn, portrayed by Lily-Rose Depp, has an impressive 78 million followers, all of whom are assumed to be genuine," he remarked. "Whenever she participates in a photo shoot and tags Rolling Stone, they benefit from an influx of her followers. This leads to increased revenue for Rolling Stone, while Jocelyn gains nothing in return."

The Idol centers around Jocelyn, an aspiring pop idol, and her tumultuous relationship with Tedros, a self-help guru and leader of a cult. Throughout their complex journey together, Tedros endeavors to guide Jocelyn back to her former glory in Hollywood after she experiences a nervous breakdown.

Lily-Rose, the daughter of actor Johnny Depp and model Vanessa Paradis, has publicly expressed her support for working with Levinson and The Weeknd. In a statement made in March 2023, the actress shared that she has never felt more supported or respected in a creative space. She emphasized that working with Sam is a genuine collaboration, where her input and opinions are highly valued. Lily-Rose praised Sam for his dedication to understanding not only what his actors think about the work, but also how they feel while performing it. She noted that he hires individuals whose work he deeply respects and has always fostered an environment where she feels seen, heard, and appreciated.

When The Idol made its debut three months later, it received backlash from viewers for its awkward portrayal of sex on screen. The Weeknd, on the other hand, was quick to clarify that these moments were intended to be seen as satirical.

"There's nothing seductive about it. When we reference Basic Instinct, we're taking inspiration from [Paul] Verhoeven. Verhoeven is known for his '90s satire thrillers - yes, there are moments of 'sexiness' in his films, but there are also other moments that are quite cheesy and hilarious," the singer explained to GQ in June 2023. "No matter how you feel while watching that scene - whether it's discomfort, disgust, or embarrassment for the characters - all these emotions contribute to the idea that this guy is completely out of his depth, he shouldn't be in this situation. You look at him and it's obvious - Jocelyn might just be his biggest conquest ever."

The singer of "Blinding Lights" expressed, "He indulges himself excessively, entering the house with a sense of awe, questioning if he has taken on a task beyond his capabilities. Whatever he is engaged in, even the sexual encounters, they are excessively indulgent, particularly in episode 2. 'Gluttony' is the only word that comes to mind to describe it. He is astounded by his own presence and appears to be a complete failure. These moments showcase the humanity that can be found in a psychopath, the vulnerability in his facade."

Credit: Eddy Chen/HBO

A Guide to the Cringiest Sex Scenes From HBO's Controversial Series 'The Idol'

After its HBO debut, The Idol quickly made waves for its controversial sex scenes and cringy storytelling.

Prior to its premiere in June 2023, The Idol faced setbacks as reported by Rolling Stone. The article highlighted issues related to a negative working environment and last-minute script revisions, with input from multiple sources. Allegations were made against co-creators Sam Levinson and The Weeknd for their contribution to the toxic atmosphere.

HBO acknowledged the show's delays and changes in personnel, including the replacement of Amy Seimetz as the original director for all episodes. In a statement to Variety, the network explained that the initial approach to the show and the production of early episodes fell short of HBO standards, leading to the decision for a change. HBO emphasized the commitment of the creative team to foster a safe, collaborative, and respectful working environment. They further mentioned that the creative changes made by the team in the previous year were aimed at benefiting both the production and the cast and crew.

In response to the raised eyebrows over the production, The Weeknd (whose real name is Abel Tesfaye) retaliated by sharing a clip from the yet-to-be-released pilot. In the clip, his character Tedros can be seen mocking Rolling Stone.

Tedros sarcastically remarks, "Rolling Stone has 6 million followers on Instagram, although half of them are probably bots. On the other hand, Jocelyn boasts a whopping 78 million followers, all of whom are undoubtedly real." He goes on to say, "So when she does a photo shoot and tags them, they benefit from her followers. Rolling Stone rakes in more money while Jocelyn gets nothing in return."

Lily-Rose, the daughter of actor Johnny Depp and model Vanessa Paradis, has openly supported her choice to collaborate with Levinson and The Weeknd.

"When The Idol finally debuted three months later, the portrayal of sex on screen received backlash from viewers for its perceived awkwardness. However, The Weeknd was swift to clarify that these scenes were intended to be taken as satirical."

"There is nothing alluring about it. When we reference Basic Instinct, we are referring to [Paul] Verhoeven. Verhoeven is renowned for his satirical thrillers in the '90s - sure, there are moments of 'sexiness' in his films, but there are also other moments that are quite cheesy and comical," stated the singer during an interview with GQ in June 2023. "Whatever emotions arise while watching that scene - whether it's discomfort, feeling disgusted, or even feeling embarrassed for the characters - all these emotions contribute to the notion that this guy is completely out of his depth; he shouldn't be in this situation. You look at him, and it's evident that this is a major accomplishment - Jocelyn might be the biggest achievement he has ever had. It's blatantly obvious."

The singer, known for the hit song "Blinding Lights," went on to add, "He is indulging excessively, entering this house and surveying the surroundings as if to say, 'Damn, have I gotten myself into something way beyond my capabilities? This could be the most significant undertaking I've ever faced.' Whatever it is he is doing, even the sexual encounters, they are so extravagant, particularly in episode 2. 'Extravagance' is the only word that comes to mind [to describe it]. He can't believe he is in that situation. He comes across as such a failure. These moments reveal the humanity that can be found in a psychopath, the vulnerability in his facade."

Scroll below for a breakdown of the cringiest sex scenes from HBO's The Idol:

Credit: Eddy Chen/HBO

Tedros and Jocelyn's 1st Sexual Encounter

During the series premiere, Tedros attempts to assist Jocelyn in finding her musical inspiration by draping her robe over her head completely. In an uncomfortable scene, the cult leader later uses a knife to create a small hole for Jocelyn to breathe through and continue singing.

Credit: Eddy Chen/HBO

Tedros and Jocelyn's Not So Racy Connection

Viewers expressed numerous grievances when the couple engaged in a passionate moment during the second episode. Tedros' explicit language swiftly turned into an online meme, however, The Weeknd defended the scene as a form of satire.

Credit: Eddy Chen/HBO

Tedros' Private Moment

In the third installment of The Idol, Tedros and Jocelyn engage in a passionate encounter within the confines of a Valentino dressing room, just moments before the departure of the fictional pop icon. Unbeknownst to Tedros, he indulges in his personal gratification with such intensity that it becomes audibly noticeable to the store staff.