The Idol viewers switch off as 'worst sex scene in history' sparks huge backlash

14 June 2023 , 11:24

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Lily-Rose Depp plays the role of Jocelyn in the new HBO series (Image: HBO)

The Idol has lost 100,000 viewers after the backlash over the X-rated sex scene between The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp's characters.

HBO's new raunchy series has supposedly lost more than 100,000 same-day viewers when you compare the first episode premiere and and the second episode that aired mere days ago.

One particular scene from the second episode has been branded as the "worst sex scene in history" by fans and publications alike - which has sparked a backlash and dip in viewership.

Viewers were left in sheer disbelief at the dialogue from the latest episode in a scene that starred The Weeknd and Lily-Rose.

The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, plays self-help guru and the head of a contemporary cult, Tedros in the series.

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Lily-Rose can be seen blindfolded in the latest episode of the all-new HBO series (HBO)

Meanwhile Lily-Rose plays the role of Jocelyn, a popstar who gets swept up in Tedros' life and antics, with the pair engaging in raunchy sex scenes.

With their most recent sex scene causing outrage on social media, which now appears to have translated into viewers tuning in - or not tuning in.

In what British GQ branded "the worst sex scene in history", Jocelyn can be seen standing blindfolded as Tedros gives her sexual instructions.

The line that really caused outrage was when Tedros said: "F***ing stretch that tiny, little p***y."

And now Variety has reported that the new episode attracted 800,000 same-day viewers on Max and HBO, down from 913,000 for the premiere - meaning they have lost 113,000 viewers.

Lily-Rose plays the role of Jocelyn, while Abel plays the role of Tedros

But the publication did reveal some good news, with them saying that Warner Brothers Discovery reports episode one of The Idol reached 3.6 million after one week.

This comes after viewers reacted to the raunchy scene online when one wrote: "I'm sick to my stomach pls put a content warning."

A second then wrote: "This is disgusting."

While a third said: "I actually threw up."

The Weeknd has now spoken out about the scene, telling GQ: "There's nothing sexy about it. When we use Basic Instinct as a reference, we're using [filmmaker Paul] Verhoeven."

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He later added: "However you're feeling watching that scene, whether it's discomfort, or you feel gross, or you feel embarrassed for the characters.

"It's all those emotions adding up to: This guy is in way over his head, this situation is one where he is not supposed to be here."

The Idol continues on Sunday nights on HBO and Sky Atlantic.

Mollie Quirk