From the moment HBO positioned The Idol as a series from the “sick and twisted minds” of Euphoria creator Sam Levinson and Abel Tesfaye, controversy has followed the show, culminating in a Rolling Stone exposé regarding alleged behind-the-scenes toxicity. All of it has been blown out of proportion, says Hank Azaria, who plays Chaim, one of mega-pop-star Jocelyn’s managers on the series. 

Addressing the piece during a recent Today appearance, Azaria said claims about the alleged “chaotic nature of the set and how it was really haphazard…[are] ridiculous.” He added, “I understand how certain people could feel that way. I felt that way the first couple of days. I was like, What are we doing? What’s happening? Because a lot of changes were made based on, sometimes, the beauty of the light we were shooting in, or how the script was changing or how a character’s story was evolving. But it was incredibly creative and wonderful.”

The Idol, which centers on a musically inclined sex cult, has also earned ire for the graphic nature of its intimate scenes and Jocelyn’s excessive nudity in the early episodes.  “I was mercifully left out of any of the nude shenanigans, personally, but I can tell you, I know Lily-Rose, who was the center of all that, mainly, has said publicly and privately how protected, and taken care of, and collaborated with, and listened to, and safe she felt,” Azaria continued. “I know every care was taken, not just with those kind of scenes—there are many kinds of sensitive scenes in this show. And I certainly felt safe that way and collaborated with.”

In the aftermath of Rolling Stone’s story, HBO asserted in a statement to Vanity Fair that “the creative team has been committed to creating a safe, collaborative, and mutually respectful working environment.” Depp said in separate remarks: “Never have I felt more supported or respected in a creative space, my input and opinions more valued.” Meanwhile, Tesfaye shared what appeared to be a clip from the show featuring himself, Depp, and costar Dan Levy disparaging the outlet. Addressing the post in his Vanity Fair cover story, Tesfaye said, “I thought the article was ridiculous. I wanted to give a ridiculous response to it.” As for Levinson? “When my wife read me the article” about The Idol, he told press at the Cannes Film Festival, “I looked at her and I just said, ‘I think we’re about to have the biggest show of the summer.’”