Labrinth Quits ‘Euphoria’ & Sparks Sam Levinson Drama Claims

Labrinth, the celebrated composer and musician behind the evocative soundscapes of HBO’s Euphoria, has abruptly severed ties with the demonstrate and, in a startling move, declared he’s “done with this industry.” The announcement, delivered via a now-viral Instagram post on March 12th, has sent ripples through the music world and left fans questioning the future of the show’s highly anticipated third season.

The post, stark in its language, read, “I’M DONE WITH THIS INDUSTRY. FUCK COLUMBIA. DOUBLE FUCK EUPHORIA. I’M OUT. THANK YOU AND GOOD NIGHT X.” While the immediate cause of Labrinth’s departure remains unclear, the intensity of the message suggests a deep-seated frustration. The musician, whose real name is Timothy Lee McKenzie, has yet to elaborate publicly on the reasons behind his decision.

A Soundtrack That Defined a Generation

Labrinth’s contribution to Euphoria has been nothing short of pivotal. His original score, released in 2019 as Euphoria (Original Score from the HBO Series), became synonymous with the show’s raw emotionality and visually arresting aesthetic. The album, a blend of gospel, electronica and orchestral elements, peaked at number 79 on the Billboard 200 and spawned the sleeper hit “Still Don’t Know My Name,” which eventually went Platinum in the United States. His work earned him an Emmy Award for the song “All For Us” from the first season. The music wasn’t simply background; it was integral to the storytelling, amplifying the show’s themes of addiction, trauma, and identity.

Beyond Euphoria: A Rising Star

Before his work on Euphoria propelled him to even greater recognition, Labrinth had already established himself as a formidable force in the music industry. He first gained prominence in 2011 with the single “Let the Sun Shine,” a collaboration with Nero, and followed it up with a string of successful releases, including his debut album, Electronic Earth (2012). He’s also known for his work with the supergroup LSD, alongside Sia and Diplo, and his more recent album, COSMIC OPERA ACT I, released with Columbia Records just two months prior to his exit announcement. His versatility and willingness to experiment have consistently set him apart.

A Collaborative Vision Unraveling?

Labrinth’s departure is particularly surprising given his recent enthusiasm for the show’s third season. In July 2023, he publicly welcomed the addition of legendary composer Hans Zimmer to the Euphoria team, calling it “Another chapter in the ‘Euphoria’ universe!” and expressing excitement about collaborating with a “hero in film score.” Zimmer, known for his iconic scores in films like The Lion King and Inception, had praised Labrinth’s work, stating that “Labrinth’s music has shaped the show’s identity.” The planned collaboration now appears to be in jeopardy.

Industry Fallout and Concerns Over Creative Control

The musician’s Instagram post wasn’t just a farewell to Euphoria; it was a direct condemnation of Columbia Records as well. This has sparked speculation about potential issues with the label, perhaps regarding creative control or financial arrangements. The timing of the outburst, coupled with similar sentiments expressed by others connected to the show, suggests a broader pattern of dissatisfaction. Natalie Minerva, the show’s nail artist, commented on Labrinth’s post, sharing her own frustrations with the production, stating she was “cut from the show without further conversation” despite her work being a significant part of the show’s aesthetic.

Levinson Under Scrutiny

Social media quickly focused blame on Euphoria creator and showrunner Sam Levinson. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) voiced their concerns, with many directly questioning Levinson’s role in the situation. “Sam levinson what did you do now?” one user asked. Another wrote, “Whatever the fuck happened with labrinth i just know it’s Sam Levinson’s fault.” These accusations stem from previous reports of tension surrounding Levinson’s creative decisions, including alleged conflicts with Zendaya over the prioritization of his series “The Idol” and reported issues with co-star Sydney Sweeney’s political views. The Root previously reported on the alleged fallout between Zendaya and Levinson.

What’s Next for Euphoria?

The immediate future of Euphoria’s score remains uncertain. HBO and Columbia Records have yet to issue official statements addressing Labrinth’s departure or the status of the music for the upcoming season. It’s unclear whether Zimmer will now take on a larger role in composing the score, or if the show will seek out other composers to fill the void. The show is currently slated to premiere its third season on April 12th, leaving little time to rework the soundtrack significantly. The production team will likely need to determine quickly how to proceed without one of its key creative voices. The show’s identity is so closely tied to Labrinth’s sound that replacing him will be a significant challenge.