The Weeknd Responds to Critics of His Show ‘The Idol’

The Weeknd had previously responded to reports about his HBO show The Idol and the alleged controversies surrounding some behind-the-scenes stories (including numerous delays, “torture porn” vibes from Sam Levinson, and more).

Now the 33-year-old “Blinding Lights” singer is responding to his critics yet again in a new interview.

The Weeknd says he is mostly concerned about how critics have hurt the people around him.

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“That’s what I’m learning about the film business, is that when people start rumors, it really does hurt a lot of other people,” he told Interview. “A lot of people work hard on these projects. When I’m in my world, and you guys are coming at me, it’s like, alright, cool. I’m a big boy. I can figure it out. But you have 200 people working hard on a project like this, that hurts. Especially when what they’re saying is far from the truth, but, what can you do?”

The Weeknd says his co-star Lily Rose-Depp is the strongest in the face of criticism.

“I’m used to it more than someone like Sam, who’s probably a little bit used to it now. And I’m sure Lily, definitely—Lily’s stronger than both of us” he said.

The Weeknd said he relies on the fact that he has people around him that really know him which help him withstand the criticism.

“But I’ve been judged since the beginning. My stuff’s always kind of been provocative,” he said. “I understand it’s hard for people to separate that sometimes and that some people want to have an opinion about you, even if it’s not true. As an artist, you have to know that you can’t please everybody, and you have to accept that it comes with the job. You have to remind yourself that everybody that knows you, knows you’re a good person. If you’re going out there trying to prove to people you’re a good person all the time, then it becomes like a dead end. But what I’ve learned is, with time people will learn to understand. But I have thick skin. I’m used to it.”

The Weeknd and his girlfriend Simi Khadra are still going strong as a couple at the 2023 Coachella Music Festival.