HBO is standing by its upcoming high-profile TV show The Idol following Rolling Stone’s report on an alleged “shitshow” production.
On Wednesday, the publication ran a news article featuring interviews with 16 anonymous sources claiming to be cast or crew members on the show. Many claimed the show’s co-creators Sam Levinson — who also created Euphoria — and The Weeknd overhauled the show after the ousting of director Amy Seimetz.
In a statement to BuzzFeed News on Wednesday, HBO said early production on the show “did not meet” its standards.
“The creators and producers of The Idol have been working hard to create one of HBO’s most exciting and provocative original programs. The initial approach on the show and production of the early episodes, unfortunately, did not meet HBO standards so we chose to make a change,” HBO said in a statement to BuzzFeed News.
“Throughout the process, the creative team has been committed to creating a safe, collaborative, and mutually respectful working environment, and last year, the team made creative changes they felt were in the best interest of both the production and the cast and crew. We look forward to sharing The Idol with audiences soon,” the statement continued.
