Lily-Rose Depp Stands by ‘The Idol’ Creator Sam Levinson Amidst Controversy

Actress Reflects on Friendship and Creative Collaboration Following Series Backlash

Lily-Rose Depp continues to support Sam Levinson, co-creator of HBO’s “The Idol,” despite the series’ cancellation after one season and the criticism it faced for explicit content. In a recent interview on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, Depp expressed her dismay over negative remarks directed at Levinson, whom she regards as family. She praised both Sam and his wife, Ashley Levinson, for their kindness and mentorship during the production.

Depp, who portrayed pop star Jocelyn opposite Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye’s character, Tedros, acknowledged the show’s provocative nature, stating, “We always knew it was going to be controversial.” She emphasized her commitment to challenging roles and the personal growth she experienced during filming, describing it as “one of the most special times of my life.”

Despite the show’s mixed reviews and subsequent cancellation, Depp remains proud of her work and the creative risks involved. She noted, “I think we were also, like, pushing society’s buttons intentionally a little bit… It’s beautiful and I wouldn’t have changed anything about it.”

Depp’s defense of Levinson comes amid broader discussions about the series’ content and production choices. While “The Idol” was intended to be edgy and provocative, it faced scrutiny for its portrayal of explicit themes. Nonetheless, Depp stands by the project and her collaboration with Levinson, highlighting the trust and artistic freedom she experienced under his direction.