Just a month before the highly anticipated premiere of Euphoria Season 3, the show’s celebrated composer Labrinth has announced his abrupt departure from both the series and the entertainment industry at large. The news, delivered in a fiery Instagram post on March 12, 2026, sent shockwaves through the music and television worlds, leaving fans, collaborators, and industry insiders reeling—and speculating about what could have prompted such a dramatic exit.
Labrinth, the 37-year-old British singer-songwriter and producer, has been widely credited with shaping the distinctive sonic identity of Euphoria. His work includes the Emmy-winning anthem “All For Us” featuring Zendaya, which helped cement the show’s reputation for bold, emotionally charged storytelling. Yet, in a move that few saw coming, Labrinth took to Instagram with a blunt message: “I’m done with this industry. F–k Columbia. Double f–k ‘Euphoria.’ I’m out. Thank you and good night x.” The statement, laced with expletives and finality, appeared to sever his ties not only with the HBO drama but also with his record label, Columbia Records.
According to The Wrap and several other outlets, Labrinth’s announcement came just days before Euphoria’s third season was set to debut on April 12, 2026, with main cast members Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, Sydney Sweeney, and Hunter Schafer reprising their roles. The timing could hardly have been more striking: not only was Labrinth still publicly attached to the show’s new season—having been named as a co-composer alongside legendary film scorer Hans Zimmer—but he had also recently released his fourth studio album, COSMIC OPERA ACT I, on January 30, 2026. The record, described by contemporary reviews as a theatrical, operatic-leaning project blending orchestral textures with pop and electronic elements, hinted at an artist in the midst of ambitious creative work.
The immediate reaction from fans and followers was one of disbelief and deep emotion. Social media platforms lit up with messages of support and gratitude for Labrinth’s contributions to Euphoria. Some users pleaded with him not to stop making music, while others expressed disappointment and even reconsidered their plans to watch the upcoming season. As one X (formerly Twitter) user wrote, “This makes me not even wanna watch the show if the ppl who worked on it that I'm watching to support were not properly supported while giving it their all I don't even wanna indulge. It seems like behind the scenes the whole cast is unhappy with how things went and weren't treated fairly. It's sad. The show is what brought me to your music so I'm grateful for that at least.”
Others were simply confused, echoing the sentiment of another user who posted, “what is happening.” The lack of any clear explanation from Labrinth himself only fueled speculation. Was this a case of creative differences, contractual disputes, or something more personal? As of March 13, 2026, neither Columbia Records nor HBO had issued a public response to Labrinth’s announcement, leaving a conspicuous silence at the center of the controversy.
The juxtaposition is hard to ignore. On one hand, Labrinth was actively involved in scoring the new season of Euphoria, collaborating with Hans Zimmer—a partnership Zimmer himself had publicly praised. In a previous statement, Zimmer had said, “It’s an honor to join this incredible team of storytellers led by the visionary Sam Levinson. Together, they have crafted such a bold and moving series that has meant so much to audiences. Labrinth’s music has shaped the show’s identity and I’m looking forward to contributing to the ongoing story and helping shape this new season through music.” On the other hand, Labrinth’s Instagram post was an unequivocal renunciation of both his label and the series, signaling a personal decision to walk away despite ongoing high-profile commitments.
The fallout has been immediate and intense. Fans are now questioning whether they will tune in for the new season, with some suggesting a boycott of the show. Others are demanding greater transparency from the show’s producers and the record label, hoping to understand whether issues like intellectual property, contractual obligations, or workplace conditions played a role in Labrinth’s decision. As one social media user put it, “We need a movie about the making of Euphoria.”
Despite the swirl of speculation, the public record offers little in the way of concrete answers. Labrinth’s declaration stands as a direct and public act of withdrawal, but it does not clarify the fate of any music already recorded for Season 3, nor does it address the status of his collaboration with Zimmer. There are no verifiable statements from Labrinth, HBO, or Columbia Records that shed light on the underlying causes or future implications of his exit. The only certainty is the magnitude of the gap left by his absence—a gap felt not just by the show’s creative team, but by its global audience as well.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time Euphoria has faced scrutiny over its production environment. Previous social media commentary has hinted at broader dissatisfaction among cast and crew, with concerns about fairness and support behind the scenes. Labrinth’s exit, coming as it does at such a critical juncture, has only intensified those conversations.
Meanwhile, Labrinth’s recent album release and the high-profile nature of his collaboration with Zimmer underscore the complexity of his decision. Here is an artist at the height of his creative powers, stepping away from a major platform and a celebrated project—an act that, for now, remains shrouded in mystery.
As the premiere date for Euphoria Season 3 approaches, viewers, collaborators, and industry observers are left with more questions than answers. Will the show’s musical landscape change without Labrinth at the helm? How will HBO and Columbia Records address the concerns raised by his departure? And, perhaps most poignantly, will Labrinth’s final act of defiance inspire the transparency and accountability that so many are now calling for?
For now, the entertainment world watches and waits, keenly aware that a defining voice has gone silent—at least for the time being.