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In a world where every action can be captured, replayed, and scrutinized, the boundaries between public figures and their audiences are fragile. While many artists often feel a deep sense of obligation to express gratitude and affection towards their fans, Doja Cat stands out as an exception, frequently and explicitly challenging this conventional dynamic. Her unapologetic approach has redefined the artist-fan relationship in contemporary pop culture.
In recent history, several of Doja’s candid tweets sparked a loss of over half a million followers. In one specific instance, after receiving backlash for being pictured with her rumored partner J. Cyrus, Doja aired her grievances with fans:
“I WANT Y’ALL TO READ THIS COMMENT AND TAKE IT AS A MESSAGE. I DONT GIVE A FUCK WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT MY PERSONAL LIFE.”
Fans undoubtedly felt they had been urged to desert her, despite feeling responsible for her fame. The incident catalyzed a massive social media investigation into both her online career and her personal relationships. The revelations include accusations of emotional abuse against her partner, Doja’s supposed involvement in controversial chat rooms, and her own candid dismissal of her last two albums as mere “cash grabs.” These examples paint a tumultuous picture, but is this all as it seems?
Twitter users’ exploration[S] of the singer’s online trajectory and that of her rumored partner, J. Cyrus — formerly of Vine fame and currently a Twitch streamer — probed deeper into their history and scandals. Multiple young women have come forward claiming that J. Cyrus emotionally manipulated them during their time moderating his Twitch streams. Cyrus even issued a since-deleted public apology for his misconduct. Doja Cat’s affiliation with Cyrus, combined with her own controversies, intensifies the criticisms directed at her, which are made worse by her failure to address the situation with tact and sincerity.
One key aspect of Doja Cat's rise to fame has been her relationship with internet culture. Her song "Mooo!" went viral in 2018, largely due to its meme-worthy content. This naturally fostered a closer relationship with a younger, internet-savvy demographic. Fans celebrated her quirky and humorous nature by creating and sharing memes and jokes about her, to which she often responded positively. Leading up to 2021, Doja Cat’s performances at award shows and other live events were often topics of discussion among fans. Her creativity and versatility as a performer garnered both praise and critique. Fans have occasionally organized streaming parties and social media campaigns to boost the chart performance of her songs or to interact with her on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
Having been on the internet for much of her career, she is no stranger to online controversy. In 2020, her relationship with fans and the public worsened when she publicly denied “stripping for white supremacists” in racist chat room sites and was prompted to apologize for hurtful online behavior at the time. These revelations have resurfaced, leaving fans questioning Doja’s personal integrity, raising questions about the genuineness of her brand, and potentially alienating the fans who once resonated with her messages of empowerment and liberation. Adding fuel to the fire, fans resurfaced her own candid comments about her music that she posted on Twitter following her Grammy win.. By admitting to releasing content solely for profit, Doja Cat arguably diminished her credibility, making fans question the sincerity of her work.
Doja Cat’s recent statements and actions hint at a desire to break free from restrictive expectations, pushing back against fan-imposed labels and calling for a more grounded relationship with her followers. In a poignant moment, she mused about the perceived ownership some fans feel they have over celebrities. She exclaimed on Twitter, “My fans don’t name themselves s—,” and “If you call yourself a ‘kitten’ or f— ‘kittenz’ that means you need to get off your phone and get a job and help your parents with the house.” As crude as her comments may have been, fans are a source of income for celebrities, and some of Doja’s fans do not blame her for pointing it out. Ultimately, these comments were not the only reason for her mass unfollowing.
With the recent release of “Paint the Town Red,” this controversy was coupled with claims of satanic imagery. The song’s provocative lyrics and macabre visuals have left fans polarized. The noticeable shift from her previous brand to a more sinister aesthetic, inclusive of devilish Instagram posts and the "red" makeover of her album covers, is undeniably eye-catching. Her comments coupled with the new, darker direction in her artistry suggest a strategic, albeit controversial, rebranding. By delving into more provocative themes, Doja Cat seems to challenge the perceptions and expectations fans have of her, prompting them to question their unwavering loyalty and potentially drawing a line between fandom and blind adulation.
Despite her bold proclamations, Doja Cat has stated her appreciation for those who defend her, especially against online trolls who repeatedly target her. This dichotomy raises several questions: Is her rebellion solely against those who "dehumanize" her, or is it a broader statement about the nature of fandom itself?
Doja Cat’s situation offers a unique lens through which we can view the challenges and paradoxes of modern celebrity. Her controversy didn’t just push hundreds of thousands of fans away, it illuminated that her actions are often only viewed as a rebellious expression of authenticity or catering to the needs and desires of fans. With this new era, she might be attempting to do both at once: Reinforcing her authenticity by preemptively characterizing herself as the villain many former fans continue to paint her as. Regardless of her intentions, she still has a remaining 24 million Instagram followers, chart-topping hits, and sixteen Grammy nominations to show for herself.
