Labrinth, the acclaimed British musician and composer behind the iconic soundtrack of HBO Max's hit series Euphoria, has shocked fans and the entertainment industry with a blistering social media outburst. The 37-year-old artist, whose real name is Timothy Lee McKenzie, posted an expletive-laden message on Instagram that directly targeted both the television show and his long-term record label.
Explosive Social Media Post
In a dramatic Instagram post that has since gone viral, Labrinth shared a simple black square with an all-caps message that read: "I'm done with this industry. F**k Columbia. Double f**k Euphoria. I'm out. Thank you and good night." The sudden and unexpected declaration has left fans and industry observers scrambling for answers about what prompted such a public and vehement condemnation.
Fan Reactions and Concerns
The music artist's followers immediately flooded the comments section with expressions of concern and confusion. One fan wrote, "Can someone please explain what happened?" while another lamented, "Euphoria won't feel the same without your music." A particularly supportive comment that garnered over 18,000 likes declared, "You totally made Euphoria. Whatever it is I just know I'm on your side."
Some fans expressed deeper concerns about the implications for the show itself. One commenter stated, "This makes me not even wanna watch the show if the people who worked on it that I'm watching to support were not properly supported while giving it their all, I don't even wanna indulge."
Euphoria's Musical Backbone
Labrinth has been widely recognized as the musical backbone of Sam Levinson's critically acclaimed drama series starring Zendaya. The show, which also features Jacob Elordi, Hunter Schafer, and Sydney Sweeney, has become synonymous with its distinctive synth soundtrack. Songs like "Formula" and "All For Us" have achieved viral status and helped define the show's atmospheric quality.
The musician's involvement with Euphoria extended beyond composition when he made a cameo appearance in season two episode four, portraying a gospel singer in Rue's drug-induced dream sequence. His creative contributions have earned him three Emmy nominations and a win for outstanding original music and lyrics.
Creative Freedom and Collaboration
In previous interviews, Labrinth has spoken positively about his creative freedom while working with showrunner Sam Levinson. He told Variety, "The main approach with most of the music on the show is Sam is like: 'Lab, just make what the f**k you're making. Don't let no one get in the way of what you're making, just do what you do.'"
He elaborated on their collaborative relationship, saying, "It's like he's going to a record shop, and I'm the record shop. Especially being in the music industry, sometimes you can feel pushed to do something that people are expecting to hear, whereas Sam's just like: 'I want to hear the weirdest shit in your hard drive.'"
Season Three Complications
The timing of Labrinth's outburst is particularly significant as Euphoria prepares to return for its highly anticipated third season in April 2026. The new season will feature a five-year time jump, following the main characters into early adulthood as they navigate sex, drugs, and toxic social circles in new contexts.
Eight months prior to Labrinth's explosive post, it was announced that Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer would be joining the sound team for season three. Zimmer expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, calling it "an honor" to join a team of "incredible storytellers" and praising Labrinth's contributions, saying, "Labrinth's music has shaped the show's identity and I'm looking forward to contributing to the ongoing story and helping shape this new season through music."
At the time of that announcement, Labrinth appeared enthusiastic about the collaboration, stating, "Another chapter in the Euphoria universe! So great to join Hans, one of my heroes in film score, and bring some new magic to this new season." Showrunner Sam Levinson also expressed pride in their previous work together and excitement about Zimmer's involvement.
Industry Relationships
Labrinth has been signed with Columbia Records since 2019, making his public condemnation of the label particularly noteworthy. The musician's relationship with both the record label and the television production now appears to be in serious jeopardy following his social media declaration.
The exact reasons behind Labrinth's sudden outburst remain unclear, as do the implications for his music featuring in the upcoming third season of Euphoria. Representatives for Labrinth, HBO Max, and Columbia Records have been contacted for comment but have not yet provided clarification about the situation.
Euphoria season three is scheduled to premiere on April 13, 2026, on Sky Atlantic and NOW. Fans are left wondering whether Labrinth's iconic musical contributions will be part of the new season or if his relationship with the show has been irreparably damaged by this public controversy.
