Labrinth has slammed HBO Max series Euphoria and his record label, Columbia Records, in an expletive-laden social media takedown.
The British music artist, 37 – real name Timothy Lee McKenzie – has been dubbed the ‘backbone’ of Sam Levinson’s drama starring Zendaya, for which he is the lead composer.
The buzzy series – also featuring Jacob Elordi, Hunter Schafer and Sydney Sweeney – has become synonymous with its synth soundtrack, with songs like Formula and All For Us going viral.
The singer, rapper and producer even made a cameo in season two episode four, where he made his onscreen debut as a gospel singer conjured up during Rue’s drug-induced dream sequence.
After years of delays, the R-rated show is returning for season three in April, but it seems as though trouble has been brewing in the background for Labrinth, who has fired shots at his long-term label and the TV show.
In a shock Instagram post, he shared a black square with the all-caps message: ‘I’m done with this industry. F**k Columbia. Double f**k Euphoria. I’m out. Thank you and good night.’
It’s currently unknown exactly what prompted the sudden outburst, nor what this means for his music featuring in the new season. Fans flocked to the comments to share their concern.
‘Can someone please explain what happened?’ JohanneFallan wrote.
‘Euphoria won’t feel the same without your music,’ zupitermusic lamented.
‘You totally made Euphoria. Whatever it is I just know Im on your side,’ larissarodriguessants declared in a comment which garnered over 18,000 likes.
‘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,’ missodessa echoed.
The season three sound team saw a shake-up when it was announced eight months ago that Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer would be joining Labrinth.
Zimmer called it ‘an honour’ to join a team of ‘incredible storytellers’ who have created a ‘bold and moving series’.
He added: ‘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,’ he wrote.
At the time, Labrinth (who has also been signed with Columbia Records since 2019) said: ‘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.’
Finally, the showrunner Levinson shared that he was ‘really proud of the work Labrinth and I have done in previous seasons and am excited for Hans to push us to new heights’.
Labrinth’s work on Euphoria has earned him three Emmy nominations and a win for outstanding original music and lyrics.
Previously speaking about his creative freedom working with 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.”
‘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.”‘
He added about the connection he has with Levinson and lead star and exec producer Zendaya: ‘We’re all going to the edge of what we can get in our fields. We all spiritually, creatively and personally understand each other.’
The new season of Euphoria will have a five-year time jump as we check in with our main characters in early adulthood, navigating sex, drugs and toxic social circles anew.
Metro has reached out to Labrinth’s representatives, HBO Max and Columbia Records for comment.
Euphoria returns with season three on April 13, 2026 on Sky Atlantic and NOW.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
