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Composer Labrinth Announces Exit from Industry, Criticizes HBO's 'Euphoria'

By Samuel Kim

Mar 13 2026 11:16

Labrinth, the acclaimed composer behind the Emmy-winning score for HBO's hit series Euphoria, has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry with a cryptic and emotional social media post. In a late-night Instagram update, the Grammy-nominated musician declared he was "done with this industry," directing pointed criticism at both his record label Columbia Records and the show that had become central to his recent career. The message, which concluded with "Fuck Columbia. Double fuck 'Euphoria.' I'm out. Thank you and good night x," has left fans, colleagues, and industry insiders speculating about the circumstances behind his sudden and dramatic departure.

The timing of Labrinth's announcement is particularly notable, coming just days before the April 13 premiere of Euphoria's third season. The British artist had been an integral part of the show's sonic identity since its debut in 2019, crafting the atmospheric and emotionally charged score that helped define the series' distinctive tone. His music became inseparable from the show's most memorable moments, with tracks like "All for Us," "Formula," "Mount Everest," and "Never Felt So Alone" — the latter featuring vocals from Billie Eilish and earning a Grammy nomination — amassing millions of streams and becoming cultural touchstones for the show's devoted fanbase.

Labrinth's relationship with Euphoria has been complex in recent months. When it was announced that legendary composer Hans Zimmer would join the series for its third season, Labrinth initially expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. In a statement at the time, he described it as "another chapter in the 'Euphoria' universe" and expressed excitement about working alongside "one of my heroes in film score." This apparent harmony now stands in stark contrast to his current sentiments, suggesting that whatever transpired between that announcement and his recent post was significant enough to completely alter his perspective on the project.

The composer's frustration appears to extend beyond just Euphoria to his relationship with Columbia Records, the major label that released his latest album "Cosmic Opera Act 1" in January. As an artist who has achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success through his work on the HBO series, Labrinth's public criticism of his label represents a rare and bold move in an industry where such relationships are typically managed behind closed doors. His decision to air these grievances publicly suggests either an extreme level of frustration or a deliberate choice to sever professional ties in the most definitive manner possible.

The entertainment industry has responded with a mixture of shock and support for Labrinth's decision. The comments section of his Instagram post overflowed with messages from fellow artists and fans encouraging him to prioritize his well-being. Kesha urged him to "take care of your peace my love," while Skylar Grey pleaded, "Please don't stop making music the world needs you." These responses highlight the respect Labrinth commands within the music community and the genuine concern for his mental and emotional state that his message has sparked.

Representatives for Labrinth, HBO, and Columbia Records have not yet responded to requests for comment or clarification about the situation. This silence from all parties involved has only intensified speculation about what might have led to such a dramatic public statement. Whether Labrinth's departure from Euphoria and his record label represents a temporary outburst or a permanent career shift remains to be seen, but it has undeniably cast a shadow over what should have been a celebratory moment for the series' return.

Scorpion Journal Analysis

At Scorpion Journal, we see Labrinth's public declaration as a powerful reminder of the often unseen tensions that exist between creative artists and the corporate structures that surround them. His decision to walk away from both a career-defining television show and a major record label suggests that something fundamental has broken down in these professional relationships. What makes this situation particularly compelling is the contrast between Labrinth's initial enthusiasm about collaborating with Hans Zimmer and his current state of disillusionment. This dramatic shift indicates that the issues likely stem from behind-the-scenes dynamics rather than any single creative disagreement. We believe Labrinth's actions, while shocking, represent a courageous stand for artistic integrity in an industry that frequently prioritizes commercial interests over creative fulfillment. His willingness to potentially sacrifice significant professional opportunities for the sake of his peace of mind sends a clear message about the importance of mental health and personal boundaries in creative work. As the entertainment world watches to see how this unfolds, one thing is certain: Labrinth has reminded us all that even the most successful artists retain the power to walk away when their creative vision and personal well-being are compromised.

Source: https://variety.com/2026/tv/global/labrinth-f-euphoria-done-with-this-industry-1236686764/

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