Lily-Rose Depp’s Latest Series ‘The Idol’ Gets Standing Ovation At Cannes But Stirs Controversy

Lily-Rose Depp’s Latest Series ‘The Idol’ Gets Standing Ovation At Cannes But Stirs Controversy

French-American actress Lily-Rose Depp and Canadian musician The Weeknd took center stage as their anticipated series, ‘The Idol,‘ premiered at the Cannes Film Festival 2023. But despite receiving a standing ovation, the show has encountered criticism after its premiere on Monday. ‘The Idol,’ indeed seized the spotlight as its first two episodes were screened, leading to a five-minute standing ovation. Nevertheless, the show has not escaped scathing critique from reviewers who deem it scandalous.

Internet reviews have been circulating, shedding light on the series’ plentiful s*xual scenes, nudity, and controversial elements in ‘The Idol.’

Lily-Rose Depp’s Latest Series ‘The Idol’ Gets Standing Ovation At Cannes But Stirs Controversy
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The new show etched its name in history as the first-ever TV series to grace the prestigious Cannes premiere, intertwining references to socialite Kim Kardashian and shedding light on the toxic media culture experienced by Britney Spears in the 1990s. The series further revealed controversial elements, including explicit revenge porn imagery featuring Depp’s character, Jocelyn, with bodily fluids on her face, as well as explicit masturbation scenes.

Lily-Rose’s character is a burgeoning pop star who navigates the dark and treacherous path of fame, while The Weeknd takes on the role of Tedros, a manipulative leader of a modern-day cult and self-help guru.

Lily-Rose Depp’s Latest Series ‘The Idol’ Gets Standing Ovation At Cannes But Stirs Controversy
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A scene depicted says: “When you’re famous, everyone lies to you,” Lily Rose’s character says. Her best friend and assistant warn her that The Weeknd’s character is “so rapey” but Jocelyn responds, “I kinda like that about him.” The series is reportedly full of kink, dirty talk, nudity, scam incidents, and adult themes which has stirred controversy. Apart from Lily Rose and The Weeknd, The Idol also features Suzanna Son, Troye Sivan, Dan Levy, and Rachel Sennott.

Reviewers who had the chance to attend the screening of ‘The Idol’ are bold in their criticism of the HBO series. A notable voice, the co-editor-in-chief of Variety, alongside many, expressed diverse reactions, ranging from outright disdain with statements like “I hated it” to labeling it as the television equivalent of clickbait. A few expressed their discomfort with the frequent nudity of Lily-Rose Depp’s character. 

One columnist tweeted, “Yeah, THE IDOL has the EUPHORIA vibes you might expect but it’s really more like somebody put BLACK SWAN, SUCCESSION, and SECRETARY in a blender and let it rip. Prepare yourself for quite the discourse… #cannes,” Another reviewer was brutal as he commented, “‘The Idol,’ or 50 SHADES OF TESFAYE: A P*rnhub-homepage odyssey starring Lily-Rose Depp’s areolas and The Weeknd’s greasy rat tail.” However, The Idol will be available for streaming on HBO on June 4, 2023.