The Weekend, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, has defended his character Tedros in the controversial HBO series “The Idol” after a graphic sex scene left viewers horrified. According to the singer, there is nothing sexy about the scene involving his character, a shady club mogul named Tedros, and struggling pop star Jocelyn, played by Lily-Rose Depp. He explained that the scene elicits discomfort, embarrassment, and disgust as Tedros is in way over his head and not supposed to be in such a situation.
At one point in the scene, Tesfaye’s character tells the pop icon to “f—kin’ stretch that tiny little p—y” while she puts her fingers inside her mouth. However, Tesfaye contended that the sex scene is portrayed in a gluttonous way because Tedros, a mysterious club owner, can’t believe he’s there. He walks into Jocelyn’s house, looks around, and thinks, “Goddamn, am I way over my head? This can be the biggest job I’ve ever done.”
The Character of Tedros
Although Tesfaye defended the sex scene’s graphic moments, the singer-turned-actor admitted that his character “comes off like such a loser.” He described Tedros as despicable, a psychopath, and a douchebag, and acknowledged that there is nothing mysterious or hypnotizing about him. Tesfaye and the show’s creators deliberately portrayed Tedros as a loser with his look, outfits, and hair.
The show’s second episode, which Tesfaye co-created with “Euphoria’s” Sam Levinson, dropped in viewership by over 100,000 people, and its June 4 premiere was later criticized by fans as “comically bad.” Prior to its release, the TV drama was slammed by alleged cast and crew members as a “rape fantasy.” Some crew members called it sexual torture porn, and one said it was like any rape fantasy that any toxic man would have in the show.
Response to Viewer Backlash
After the lewd scene aired, viewers immediately took to Twitter to slam Tesfaye, with one user calling the actor a “pervert.” Another user wrote that they had “lost respect” for Tesfaye after watching the episode. However, Depp, who also faced criticism for showing too much “breast” and “ass,” kept a positive demeanor and praised Tesfaye for his role in the series.
HBO, despite the backlash, stood by Levinson’s creative direction in a statement provided to Page Six. The network said that the creators and producers of “The Idol” have been working hard to create one of HBO’s most exciting and provocative original programs. Although the initial approach on the show and production of early episodes did not meet HBO standards, the creative team has been committed to creating a safe, collaborative, and mutually respectful working environment. Last year, the team made creative changes that they felt were in the best interest of both the production and the cast and crew.
The Weekend defended his character Tedros in the controversial HBO series “The Idol,” acknowledging that the sex scene involving his character and struggling pop star Jocelyn was uncomfortable, embarrassing, and disgusting. Although he defended the scene’s graphic moments, he described his character as despicable, a psychopath, and a douchebag. Despite the backlash from viewers, Depp kept a positive demeanor and praised Tesfaye for his role in the series. HBO stood by Levinson’s creative direction and committed to creating a safe, collaborative, and mutually respectful working environment.
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