Charli XCX under fire over ‘nasty’ behaviour during live performance
3 min read
Charli XCX Faces Backlash Over ‘Nasty’ Behavior During Live Performance
Charli XCX, the Hollywood singer known for her bold attitude and catchy hits, is facing criticism after a recent performance of her song “Apple” at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena. During her show, which was part of her UK Brat tour, Charli engaged in what many fans considered inappropriate behavior that sparked backlash.
For the performance, Charli donned a bold outfit consisting of tiny leather hot pants adorned with metal studs, paired with a long-sleeved black shirt. She completed her look with her signature black sunglasses, maintaining her edgy persona. As she performed in front of a crowd of 23,500 enthusiastic fans, Charli’s actions on stage soon became the focal point of controversy.
Mid-performance, Charli pulled out a cigarette, lit it up, and continued singing while puffing smoke into the air. This move was met with surprise and disapproval from many in the audience, with some fans taking to social media to voice their concerns. One user expressed their disappointment, saying, “Promoting smoking to an audience full of minors, I stan her but this is not okay.” Another chimed in with a harsher critique, calling the moment “just nasty and British,” pointing to a perceived lack of consideration for her younger fanbase.
The incident has caused a stir, particularly since Charli’s fanbase includes many younger listeners, and her actions may have set a questionable example. While some fans defended her rebellious image, others felt the act of smoking on stage was irresponsible, especially given the influence she holds over her followers.
This controversy comes on the heels of Charli’s rising fame, largely thanks to her album Brat. The album, which features the hit song “365,” was a pivotal moment in her career, garnering significant attention in both the music world and the cultural landscape. Brat even made its way into the 2024 US presidential race, underscoring Charli’s influence beyond just music. With its signature neon green album cover and a sound that celebrates unapologetic rebellion, Brat has become a cultural touchstone for a generation that embraces bold individuality and defies societal norms.
The Brat trend, which Charli has championed, revolves around the idea of being confidently rebellious with a defiant attitude. Charli has positioned herself as a figure who stands out from the crowd, unafraid to push boundaries and challenge conventions. For many of her fans, this rebellious streak is part of her appeal. They celebrate her unapologetic approach to life and music, seeing her as a symbol of empowerment and freedom of expression.
However, incidents like the one during her Manchester performance raise questions about where to draw the line between rebellion and responsibility. While it’s clear that Charli XCX’s persona is all about boldness and challenging norms, her actions on stage may have crossed a line for some fans, particularly when it comes to setting an example for young people.
Charli’s career began in earnest when she featured on the global hit “I Love It” with Swedish duo Icona Pop. The song, which topped charts in the UK and achieved international success, marked the beginning of Charli’s rise to fame. Since then, she has cemented herself as an innovative force in pop music, known for pushing musical and cultural boundaries. Her fearless attitude and distinctive sound have earned her a loyal following, though not without occasional controversy.
As Charli continues her journey in the music industry, moments like her recent performance in Manchester highlight the delicate balance she must strike between staying true to her rebellious roots and being mindful of her influence, especially on younger fans. The backlash over her smoking on stage may be a sign that while her fans love her boldness, they also expect her to act responsibly given her platform.
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