Labrinth has finally revealed the truth behind his departure from Euphoria season 3, following backlash over explicit scenes and a blistering social media takedown. The composer, real name Timothy Lee McKenzie, 37, became synonymous with the HBO series through his distinctive synth music for the first two seasons, earning four Emmy nominations. However, when the show returned after a four-year hiatus earlier this month, fans were shocked to learn he was no longer involved.
What Labrinth Said About Leaving Euphoria
In March, Labrinth took to social media to slam his record label and the show, declaring he was "out." He later shared that he removed his music from the series because "when I work for someone, their vision is paramount to me but I don't let people treat me like s**t." In a new interview with GQ, he elaborated on his decision, calling show creator Sam Levinson "a genius" but noting that their partnership deteriorated by season 3. "The industry in general plays on hierarchy, desperation, egos," Labrinth said. "If we are creating, none of those words should be in our room."
He explained that he posted about his exit to get ahead of rumors. "There were things getting sent through the grapevine that made me look like the crazy Black guy that just decided to go AWOL," he said. "My thought process was: I need to make it clear that I'm out. This has nothing to do with me getting pushed out."
Creative Differences and Disposable Involvement
Labrinth praised the creative process of season 1, which was "created through raw energy and Sam's vision." However, as the cast grew in fame—including Jacob Elordi, Sydney Sweeney, and Zendaya—the dynamic shifted. "Everybody's slowly turning into their own Louis Vuitton bag: you have more popularity, so you can now treat everyone like s**t," he said. He claimed the "family and fluidity started to deteriorate" and that he felt "offended people for no reason" despite his efforts to resolve issues. "I think my involvement was very disposable and it was approached in that way—but not communicated," he added.
Fans React to Labrinth's Absence
Fans have deeply missed Labrinth's music in season 3. On Reddit, one user wrote: "His music made so many memorable moments; the scenes with his music removed are so bad." Another said: "It feels like such a big part of the show is gone." On X, a fan commented: "Labrinth succeeded in ruining all euphoria scenes that were supposed to have his songs like you can FEEL something missing." However, some criticized him for vague explanations, calling his interview "10 paragraphs of nothing definitive."
Broader Controversies Surrounding Euphoria
Labrinth's exit is just one of several controversies. Season 3 has faced backlash for explicit scenes, including a graphic sex scene with Nazi symbolism and a "baby kink" scene with Sydney Sweeney. Additionally, rumors of a feud between Zendaya and Sweeney persist, as they reportedly refuse to do promo together. Sam Levinson previously told Rolling Stone he "doesn't know" what happened with Labrinth and praised him as an "incredible collaborator."
Euphoria season 3 airs every Monday on Sky, NOW, and HBO Max. HBO has been contacted for comment.
