Update 02/07/2022 2:43pm:

HBO’s hit show ‘Euphoria’ has received critical acclaim for its cinematography and storytelling, with Zendaya leading a cast of compelling characters. The show has also been on the receiving end of harsh criticism as well, with organizations like D.A.R.E. calling out the show for glorifying drug use. Now, Zendaya has responded to the claim made by the organization.

The actor recently sat down with ‘Entertainment Weekly’ and spoke about the criticism the show has been receiving. “Our show is in no way a moral tale to teach people how to live their life or what they should be doing,” said Zendaya. The actor then said what they’ve been trying to do with the show “is to hopefully help people feel a little bit less alone in their experience and their pain. And maybe feel like they’re not the only one going through or dealing with what they’re dealing with.”

source: Entertainment Weekly

Original 01/27/2022 1:58pm:

HBO's critically acclaimed teenage drama, Euphoria, has been heralded for its cutting-edge approach to cinematography and the rawness of its character development. Executive produced by Drake, the show has even featured cameo appearances from rappers like Lil Meech.

But nevertheless, it's the way in which the storytelling often highlights substance usage that has the drug resistance program D.A.R.E. up in arms. In a statement made to TMZ, the Los Angeles-based organization condemned the show, which stars Zendaya, for misguiding the very demographic that they have been trying to discourage from using drugs for the past forty years.

"Rather than further each parent's desire to keep their children safe from the potentially horrific consequences of drug abuse and other high-risk behavior, HBO's television drama, Euphoria, chooses to misguidedly glorify and erroneously depict high school student drug use, addiction, anonymous sex, violence, and other destructive behaviors as common and widespread in today's world," the organization said. "It is unfortunate that HBO, social media, television program reviewers, and paid advertising have chosen to refer to the show as 'groundbreaking,' rather than recognizing the potential negative consequences on school-age children who today face unparalleled risks and mental health challenges."

While the showrunners for Euphoria have defended their artistic viewpoint in the past, sighting real-life premise, they have yet to respond to D.A.R.E. directly.

Stay tuned for more on this development.

Source: TMZ