AceShowbiz - Lily-Rose Depp is unwavering in her defense of "The Idol" co-creator Sam Levinson, who faced significant criticism following the release of the controversial HBO series in 2023. Depp portrayed Jocelyn, a struggling pop star, opposite Abel "The Weeknd" Tesfaye's Tedros, the series' charismatic nightclub owner and modern-day cult leader.

During an appearance on the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast with Josh Horowitz, Depp expressed her dismay at the negative comments directed at Levinson. "I think the thing that sucked about that was to have people talking shit about Sam [Levinson], who is a great friend of mine and somebody that I consider family," she shared.

Reflecting further, she said, "The only thing that was upsetting about that whole time period was people talking negatively about [Sam] because the things that they said about him, particularly, as a filmmaker, just couldn't be further from the truth than from, at least, my experience working with him."

The controversy surrounding "The Idol" centered on its explicit content and its portrayal of toxic relationships, attracting unfavorable attention especially after an exposé by Rolling Stone.

Despite the backlash and the subsequent cancellation after just one season, Depp cherished the opportunity and the growth it afforded her. "That was a period in my life where I feel like I learned so much, I was pushed so far out of my comfort zone, in the most beautiful way, and it gave me so much growth that I will always look back on that as one of the most special times of my life," Depp remarked.

Depp acknowledged that the team behind "The Idol" was aware of the impending controversy they might be facing due to its storyline. "I think we were also, like, pushing society's buttons intentionally a little bit, in a way," she explained, noting that the reception, although harsh, did not deter her belief in the project. "It's beautiful and I wouldn't have changed anything about it."

In addressing the controversy, Depp emphasized her allegiance to Levinson and his wife Ashley, calling them "such wonderful people, so incredible, so kind," and highlighting the familial bond they formed during the show's production.

Levinson, esteemed for his work on "Euphoria" starring Zendaya Coleman, experienced a turbulent period following claims that "The Idol" had gone "wildly, disgustingly off the rails" after the departure of the original director Amy Seimetz.

As for the big screen, Lily-Rose Depp stars in Robert Eggers' remake of the 1922 horror classic "Nosferatu", bringing her unique talents to a different genre. Reflecting on her journey with "The Idol", Depp remains steadfast in her conviction and pride in the project, cementing it as a pivotal and formative period in her life.