Labrinth explodes at ‘Euphoria’ and Columbia in shock instagram rant, hints at retirement weeks before Season 3 premiere
Labrinth
British musician and Emmy-winning composer Labrinth has sent shockwaves through the entertainment world after posting a cryptic and expletive-filled Instagram message that appeared to target both his record label and HBO’s hit drama Euphoria. The startling outburst, published just weeks before Euphoria Season 3 is set to premiere, has triggered widespread speculation over whether the acclaimed producer is truly retiring from music,i or signaling a deeper fallout behind the scenes.
The viral post, first reported by Deadline and later detailed by The Independent, has become one of the biggest entertainment stories of the day, especially given Labrinth’s close creative ties to Euphoria and creator Sam Levinson.
Labrinth’s Cryptic Instagram Post Sparks Retirement Rumors
Labrinth, whose real name is Timothy Lee McKenzie, reportedly posted a blunt statement on Instagram late Thursday night into Friday morning, writing: “I’m done with this industry.” According to reports, he then followed the declaration with profanity aimed at his label, Columbia Records, and Euphoria, adding that he was “out” and signing off with a “thank you and good night.”
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The post was shared without any caption or additional explanation, which has only fueled online speculation. As of publication, neither Labrinth nor representatives for HBO, Columbia Records, or Euphoria creator Sam Levinson had publicly clarified the meaning of the message, according to both reports.
That uncertainty has become central to the story: Was this a genuine retirement announcement, a moment of frustration, or the start of a larger industry dispute?
Why Labrinth’s Euphoria Comments Matter So Much
Labrinth is not just another celebrity loosely tied to Euphoria, he is one of the defining creative forces behind the show’s identity. Since Season 1, the British artist has composed the series’ signature score, blending moody electronic textures, R&B, and cinematic tension into a sound that became inseparable from the HBO drama’s tone.
His work on the show earned major awards recognition, including an Emmy for “All for Us,” the fan-favorite track featuring vocals from Zendaya. Both Deadline and The Independent note that Labrinth’s music has been crucial to Euphoria’s emotional impact and critical success.
Because of that history, his apparent “double” dismissal of Euphoria is especially shocking. It also comes at a highly sensitive moment: HBO previously confirmed that Labrinth would return to score Season 3 alongside Hans Zimmer, making his latest post even more puzzling.
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Timing Raises Questions Ahead of Euphoria Season 3 Premiere
The controversy lands less than a month before Euphoria Season 3 is due to premiere on April 12, 2026, according to both reports. The upcoming eight-episode season is expected to include a time jump that moves the characters beyond high school and may serve as the series’ closing chapter.
Deadline also reported that creator Sam Levinson recently teased footage from the long-awaited third season during the 2026 Winter show for Balenciaga in Paris, an event Labrinth himself attended earlier this week. That proximity makes the musician’s abrupt public outburst all the more surprising.
The Season 3 cast is expected to feature returning stars including Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, Sydney Sweeney, Hunter Schafer, Alexa Demie, and Colman Domingo, among others.
Labrinth Had Previously Praised Sam Levinson’s Creative Freedom
One reason the post has stunned fans is that Labrinth previously spoke positively about working on Euphoria. The Independent highlighted earlier comments in which he praised Sam Levinson for allowing him unusual creative freedom, reportedly encouraging him to make the music he wanted rather than forcing him into rigid scene-by-scene scoring.
That earlier praise now stands in sharp contrast to the tone of his latest statement, leading fans and industry watchers to wonder whether the issue is tied to label politics, creative burnout, production stress, or something else entirely.
It’s also notable that The Independent says the outburst came shortly after Labrinth released his latest album, Cosmic Opera: Act I, adding another layer to the mystery around whether the post reflects album-cycle frustration, contract tensions, or broader exhaustion with the business.
What Happens Next for Labrinth and Euphoria?
At this stage, there is no official confirmation that Labrinth has permanently retired from music. There is also no verified indication that he has been removed from Euphoria Season 3 or that HBO’s plans have changed. What exists so far is a viral, highly emotional social media post and two credible reports confirming its wording and timing.
Still, the implications are significant. If Labrinth truly steps away, it would mark a major moment not only for his own career but also for Euphoria, a series whose sonic identity is deeply tied to his work.
For now, fans are left watching closely for three things:
- A follow-up statement from Labrinth
- A response from HBO or Columbia Records
- Any sign that Euphoria Season 3’s rollout has been affected
Until then, this remains one of 2026’s most talked-about music-and-TV crossover controversies.
FAQ
1. Why did Labrinth say “F* Euphoria”?**
As of now, Labrinth has not publicly explained the exact reason behind his Instagram outburst. Reports from Deadline and The Independent confirm he posted a message saying he was “done with this industry” and used profanity toward both Columbia Records and Euphoria, but no official clarification has been issued yet.
2. Is Labrinth retiring from music?
There is no confirmed retirement announcement beyond the Instagram post. While his words strongly suggested he may be stepping away, neither Labrinth nor his representatives have formally confirmed a permanent retirement. At this point, it remains a retirement rumor rather than an official career-ending statement.
3. Did Labrinth quit Euphoria Season 3?
There is no official confirmation that Labrinth has exited Euphoria Season 3. In fact, Deadline reported that HBO had previously announced he would return to score the third season alongside Hans Zimmer. Unless HBO says otherwise, his exact status on the show remains unclear.
4. Is Labrinth still scoring Euphoria with Hans Zimmer?
The last confirmed update before this controversy was that Labrinth was expected to score Euphoria Season 3 with Hans Zimmer. However, because of his recent Instagram post, fans are now questioning whether that arrangement is still intact. No official change has been announced yet.
5. What did Labrinth say about Columbia Records?
According to both Deadline and The Independent, Labrinth used profanity directed at Columbia Records in the same Instagram post where he declared he was “done with this industry.” He did not provide context or explain whether the issue was personal, contractual, or creative.
6. What is Labrinth’s real name?
Labrinth’s real name is Timothy Lee McKenzie. The Independent explicitly identified him by his full name while covering the controversy.
7. Why is Labrinth so important to Euphoria?
Labrinth is one of the most important creative voices behind Euphoria because he composed the show’s distinctive score from Season 1 onward. His sound helped define the emotional and atmospheric identity of the HBO drama, and he also created original songs tied closely to the series.
8. What songs did Labrinth make for Euphoria?
Some of the most notable Labrinth songs associated with Euphoria include “All for Us,” “Mount Everest,” and “I’m Tired.” “All for Us,” featuring Zendaya, won an Emmy for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics.
9. Has HBO responded to Labrinth’s post?
As of the latest published reports, HBO had not publicly responded. Deadline noted it had reached out for comment, and The Independent also reported that representatives for HBO, Columbia, and Sam Levinson had been contacted.
10. When does Euphoria Season 3 come out?
Euphoria Season 3 is expected to premiere on April 12, 2026, according to Deadline and The Independent. That release window is one reason Labrinth’s comments have generated such intense online attention.
11. What is Labrinth’s latest album?
According to The Independent, Labrinth recently released Cosmic Opera: Act I shortly before the Instagram controversy. This timing has led some fans to wonder whether his frustrations could be linked to label or release-cycle issues.
12. Did Labrinth and Sam Levinson have a falling out?
There is no confirmed evidence of a fallout between Labrinth and Sam Levinson. In fact, previous interviews cited by The Independent showed Labrinth speaking positively about Levinson’s creative approach. Any claims of a falling out are currently speculation only.