The Weeknd makes rare comment over controversial 'The Idol'

The Weeknd just reflected on his controversial series, The Idol.

In a conversation with Variety, the Grammy-winning artist gave a rather rare comment over his 2023 HBO series, that was slammed by critics and swamped with controversies even before its release, ultimately leading to its cancellation in August 2023, after just one season.

“I’m really proud of it — we all are,” the 34-year-old musician noted.

He continued, “We had a great cast and great crew. I made some really great friends, and I love seeing everybody thriving.”

As he looked back on the experience of not just The Idol airing but also being cancelled, since it was not very widely appreciated due to its risqué and rather dark theme, The Weeknd stated, “It’s unfortunate that, you know, it wasn’t met with the warmest [response], but we knew what we were making — something provocative and dark.”

“Maybe it could have been told in a different way, maybe not,” the Blinding Lights star admitted.

He also appreciated that project he had worked on, saying, “It was bigger than I expected. Not everything you put out is going to connect, and that’s fine.”

When asked of the criticism he received over The Idol, The Weeknd answered, “Of course, it gets to you — I’m not saying I wasn’t affected by it. I’m saying I didn’t take it personally. Like, nobody’s out to get you, you know? I love reading criticism, even if some of it didn’t feel constructive.”