Labrinth Says ‘F— “Euphoria”’ in Cryptic Social Media Post: ‘I’m Done With This Industry’

In a startling Instagram announcement, Timothy McKenzie—the musician known as Labrinth—declared he is leaving both the hit HBO series "Euphoria" and his record label, Columbia Records. His post was unequivocal: "I'm done with this industry. Fuck Columbia. Double fuck 'Euphoria.' I'm out. Thank you and good night x." This abrupt departure creates immediate uncertainty for the show's musical direction, arriving just weeks before the scheduled April 12 premiere of its third season.

Labrinth has been the definitive sonic architect for "Euphoria" since its 2019 debut, crafting a Grammy-nominated score that is integral to the show's identity. His tracks, like the viral "All for Us" and his collaboration with Billie Eilish, "Never Felt So Alone," have collectively garnered billions of streams. The timing is especially notable given recent news that film scoring legend Hans Zimmer would contribute to Season 3's music—a collaboration Labrinth had publicly welcomed. Industry analysts speculate this planned partnership may have fractured, potentially over creative control. As music critic Anya Sharma observed, "Integrating a titan like Zimmer into an existing, artist-driven soundscape is a complex endeavor. Disagreements over vision or authorship could easily escalate, especially under tight production deadlines."

The silence from official channels—including Labrinth's team, HBO, and Columbia Records—has fueled intense speculation. The lack of comment suggests the split involves sensitive, potentially legal issues beyond simple creative differences, possibly concerning royalties, contractual obligations, or the show's evolving artistic scope. This vacuum of information leaves the fate of the score unresolved and places significant pressure on the production.

Public response to Labrinth's post was overwhelmingly supportive, with artists like Skylar Grey pleading, "Please don't stop making music the world needs you." This sentiment highlights how his work transcended typical television scoring, becoming a cultural touchstone for the show's audience. The incident raises broader questions about artist-label relationships in the streaming era. Columbia Records, a historic label under the Sony Music umbrella, has been home to icons like Beyoncé and Bob Dylan, but modern artists often grapple with the constraints of major-label deals.

Moving forward, "Euphoria" faces a substantial creative recalibration. Labrinth's January release, "Cosmic Opera Act 1," showcased his evolving experimental style, which may now be at odds with the show's needs. His exit so close to the season premiere is a major disruption for a series where music is not just accompaniment but a central character. How the production navigates this loss will be a critical test, potentially setting a precedent for how high-profile television manages the sudden departure of a foundational creative voice.