The Weeknd's new TV show, The Idol, has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with fans pointing out multiple "weird" references to Selena Gomez, his former girlfriend and pop star.

While the show has already faced criticism for its dark and intense nature, viewers are now accusing Abel of exploiting Gomez's personal experiences for the sake of the storyline.

As the first episode aired, viewers began to draw uncanny similarities between the show's protagonist, Jocelyn, and Selena's real-life experiences, particularly in regards to mental health struggles and personal relationships.

In one scene, Jocelyn poses for a photoshoot wearing nothing but a hospital bracelet she received in rehab, prompting fans to recall Selena's 'Bad Liar' photoshoot, where she too donned a hospital band.

Coupled with Jocelyn's complex relationship with her best friend/assistant, reminiscent of Gomez's bond with Raquelle Stevens, suspicions grew stronger.

The portrayal of Jocelyn's character has left many questioning Abel's intentions and accusing him of exploiting Gomez's trauma for entertainment purposes.

Social media platforms were flooded with criticisms of this move, expressing disgust and disappointment. Viewers called it a "vicious" act and expressed their frustration towards The Weeknd and Sam Levinson, co-creator of The Idol.

While some comparisons were also made betweenJocelyn and Britney Spears, Levinson explicitly denied any intention to depict real-life pop stars. Instead, he aimed to shed light on the pressures of fame and the toll it takes on individuals.

However, the use of Selena's personal struggles as a plot point in The Idol strikes a nerve, with many seeing it as a disturbing exploitation of her hardships for entertainment gain. Exploiting personal trauma for the sake of a drama series is, simply put, highly unethical.

In an industry that already faces scrutiny for its treatment of celebrities, this controversy once again highlights the ethical responsibilities of artists and creators.

It cannot be emphasised enough how the line between artistic expression and crossing personal boundaries should be carefully navigated, especially when dealing with sensitive topics and real-life experiences.

What are your thoughts on this?