*Sam Levinson’s “The Idol” has rattled viewers once more as the third episode in the HBO limited series referenced late sexual offender Jefferey Epstein.
The June 18 episode is being slammed on social media for an Epstein reference that was used during a discussion between Live Nation representative Andrew Finkelstein (Eli Roth) and music manager Chaim (Hank Azaria). Per The Blast, it read, “I’m f**king s**ting more blood than a kid at Epstein’s Island.”
As The Blast reports, one viewer described the line as “Absolutely sickening,” while another called it “tasteless AF.”
We reported previously that fans of the Weeknd have mixed reactions to his wild sex scene with Lily-Rose Depp in the previous episode. The moment saw the singer (born Abel Tesfaye), telling the actress’ character to “f–kin’ stretch that tiny little p—y” — and apparently some fans are appalled, Page Six reports.
HBO issued a response to reports that “The Idol” will conclude after season one due to the criticism about the graphic sex scenes and violence. There are also rumors that one deleted scene involved Deep snorting coke off the singer’s manhood.
“It is being misreported that a decision on a second season of The Idol has been determined,” HBO tweeted, Complex reports. “It has not, and we look forward to sharing the next episode with you Sunday night.”
The cable giant responded to rumors about “The Idol’s” cancellation hours after Page Six published an article titled: “Fate of ‘The Idol’ up in the air amid criticism of The Weeknd’s ‘egomaniacal’ behavior.”
Meanwhile, a source confirmed that the Weeknd will not return for a sophomore season.
“This was never meant to be a long-running show, it was always … a limited series,” one insider explained, per Page Six.
Co-created by Sam Levinson (HBO’s “Euphoria”), “The Idol” centers on doomed pop star Jocelyn (Depp) who suffers a nervous breakdown that derails her last tour, so she is “determined to claim her rightful status as the greatest and sexiest pop star in America. Her passions are reignited by Tedros (the Weekend), a nightclub impresario with a sordid past. Will her romantic awakening take her to glorious new heights or the deepest and darkest depths of her soul?” per the synopsis.
An HBO source said the “door is definitely still open” for another season.
“… it’s definitely not a decision [yet],” the insider added, Complex reports. “At this point, this is normal in our process … we’re only two episodes in.”
READ MORE: HBO Denies Cancellation of ‘The Idol’ Amid Criticism Over Graphic Sex
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