The Grammy winner acknowledged that he loved "reading criticism" of the controversial show — even if "some of it didn't feel constructive"

The Weeknd is opening up about the storm of criticism surrounding his controversial HBO series, The Idol. Speaking to Variety in a profile published Friday, January 10, the Grammy-winning

The Weeknd AKA Abel Tesfaye is reflecting on the tumultuous production and controversial reception to “ The Idol .” The 2023 HBO series starred Tesfaye as a sleazy club owner turned music manager who becomes entangled in the life of a pop star (Lily-Rose Depp). Sam Levinson co-created the series with Tesfaye.

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. I’m not expecting everybody to love ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ either.