The Weeknd goes by his real name to promote controversial new show

Most people are familiar with The Weeknd and his music, but he's going by his real name to promote his new show, which has been stirring up some controversy.

HBO

The Canadian singer-songwriter, born Abel Tesfaye, is going by his birth name in a recent interview, as he admits that his stage persona 'obviously' isn't him.

On his new show, The Idol, Tesfaye plays a cult leader called Tedros who begins a complicated relationship with aspiring singer Jocelyn, played by Lily-Rose Depp.

Talking about the role in his recent interview, the 33-year-old singer said: "What drew me to play him was just getting to pretend to be someone else. It was a challenge, because The Weeknd, obviously, isn't me.

"But I drew a lot from myself to create that character. Tedros is nothing like me.

"Vulnerability is key in the characters you play, no matter how evil they are. If you can find the vulnerability in them, somehow they become likable."

Addressing the controversial nature of the show, which he helped create, Tesfaye said: "I've been judged since the beginning. My stuff's always, kind of, been provocative...

"As an artist, you have to know that you can't please everybody, and you have to accept that it comes with the job."

HBO

Even though the show has not yet aired, it's been making headlines due to allegations made around the program's production.

An article published by Rolling Stone in March claimed that the show had been a 's**t show' and had been fraught with delays and rewrites.

Speaking about the rumours, Tesfaye said: "What I'm learning about the film business, is that when people start rumours, it really does hurt a lot of other people. A lot of people work hard on these projects.

"When I'm in my world, and you guys are coming at me, it's like, 'Alright, cool. I'm a big boy. I can figure it out.'

"But you have 200 people working hard on a project like this, that hurts. Especially when what they're saying is far from the truth.

"It was a beautiful set and I'm really grateful for everyone that was a part of it...everybody was so respectful."

In addition to Tesfaye and Depp, the show will also feature appearances from Troye Sivan, Eli Roth and the late Anne Heche.

Filming began in November 2021 and went on into the following year.

The Idol is scheduled to premiere out of competition at the upcoming Cannes Film Festival, which will commence next month.