Labrinth's ethereal, haunting score was arguably the defining sound of Euphoria. Those synth-heavy, emotionally devastating compositions weren't just background music - they were the show's emotional architecture. And now he's gone, citing poor treatment by HBO.
In a recent interview, Labrinth didn't mince words: "I don't let people treat me like s—." The British producer and singer explained that his music won't be part of Season 3, marking the end of one of the most successful composer-series partnerships in recent television history.
Let's be clear about what's being lost here. Labrinth's score for Euphoria earned him an Emmy. Songs like "All for Us" and "I'm Tired" became cultural phenomena in their own right. His work was so integral to the show's identity that it's hard to imagine Euphoria without those sweeping, melancholic soundscapes.
The departure comes amid reports of significant production troubles on Season 3. The show has faced multiple delays, cast departures, and persistent rumors of on-set tension involving creator Sam Levinson. When you start losing key creative collaborators who helped define your show's aesthetic, that's not a good sign.
What's particularly striking is Labrinth's willingness to walk away from what was undoubtedly a lucrative and prestigious gig. In an industry where people regularly swallow mistreatment for the sake of career advancement, his departure suggests things got genuinely bad.
HBO has not commented on Labrinth's allegations, and neither has Levinson. But the silence speaks volumes. This is a show that's already dealing with Zendaya's increasingly packed schedule and questions about whether its moment has passed. Losing the composer who gave it its sonic identity is another blow it didn't need.
Season 3 will presumably still happen, and they'll find another composer. But Euphoria without Labrinth's music? That's like Twin Peaks without Angelo Badalamenti. Technically possible, but fundamentally diminished.
Sometimes the thing that makes your show special is the first thing to walk out the door when you stop treating people well.
