The Weeknd and Sam Levinson’s HBO series The Idol had its debut at Cannes yesterday (May 22), and during a press conference, Levinson and Lily-Rose Depp addressed speculation that Depp’s character is directly based on Britney Spears.

“We’re not trying to tell a story about any particular pop star,” Levinson said. “We’re looking more at how the world perceives pop stars and the pressure it puts on that individual. And I think that that’s what… you know, it’s a lot of pressure, to constantly have to be on, and to be what everyone wishes you to be. It’s a lonely life. We can all pretend that everyone is looking out for someone’s best interests, but I think fame really corrupts, and I think it’s very easy to surround yourself with myth makers who just continue to prop up.”