The Weeknd Stays Confident Despite Criticism
Renowned music artist Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd, has made it clear that ongoing criticism does not affect him.
The 35-year-old singer and performer recently shared that he no longer dwells on negativity, stating that it does not disrupt his peace of mind.
Instead of viewing criticism as an obstacle, The Weeknd considers it an opportunity for growth, both personally and professionally. However, he admitted that some backlash—especially regarding his controversial mini-series The Idol—left him puzzled.
Speaking with Complex Magazine, the Save Your Tears hitmaker explained, “I believe constructive criticism can be valuable, but when you’re unsure of what exactly you’re being criticized for, it becomes confusing. Playing an unlikeable character comes with the challenge of being perceived negatively.”
He further elaborated, “It can be difficult to distinguish whether the criticism is directed at the performance, the character, or the decision to take on such a role. Ultimately, it’s not something worth dwelling on.”
The Idol, an HBO series starring The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp, faced controversy and was cut short, concluding after five episodes instead of the originally planned six.
The show sparked debates due to its explicit content, with many finding its themes unsettling.
In the series, Lily-Rose Depp portrays Jocelyn, a pop star trying to reclaim her career after a breakdown. She becomes entangled with Tedros, a mysterious self-help guru, played by The Weeknd, whose hidden agenda adds a dark twist to the storyline.
