Latest news with #WilloughbyTucker
Express Tribune
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Ethel Cain responds to backlash for past racist statements and allegations in full statement
Ethel Cain has come under intense scrutiny after old social media content from her teenage years resurfaced online, prompting widespread backlash and serious allegations. The posts, mostly dating from 2017 to 2018, were circulated on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), and appear to show the artist using racist language, promoting offensive humour, and referencing taboo topics. Among the most serious claims are allegations that Cain, then 19, used the N-word and posted anti-Latino remarks like 'build that wall!' She was also seen in a photo wearing a shirt reading 'LEGALIZE INCEST' and has been accused of creating art interpreted by some as referencing child sexual abuse. Other content included rape jokes, fat-shaming, and a post allegedly making light of sexual abuse involving animals. Critics further allege that Cain knowingly signed to Dr. Luke's publishing company, Prescription Songs, despite public knowledge of his legal battle with Kesha. A promotional poster for her 2022 album Preacher's Daughter also drew criticism for resembling a real missing child notice, with many calling it careless and offensive. Additionally, Cain has been accused of fetishising trauma and the female experience in her work—claims she strongly denies. In a statement shared on July 9, Cain confirmed the posts were hers, saying, 'That was my account and they were my words.' She added, 'I am truly sorry from the bottom of my heart,' but insisted many of the more extreme allegations are the result of a 'targeted smear campaign.' She said her actions as a teen were driven by a desire for attention and rebellion against her upbringing. Cain also revealed that she had been raped at the time some of the content was created, and that some work was an attempt to process trauma. Her new album Willoughby Tucker, I'll Always Love You is set to release August 8.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ethel Cain issues public apology for 8-year-old racist posts, calls them ‘shameful' ahead of new album launch
American singer-songwriter Ethel Cain has issued a public apology after old social media posts containing racist and offensive content resurfaced online. The posts, made when she was 19, included the use of racial slurs, offensive jokes about rape and body image, and controversial images. The posts began circulating on Reddit and X, just weeks ahead of the release of her second album, Willoughby Tucker, I'll Always Love You, slated for August. Cain, whose real name is Hayden Anhedönia, shared a lengthy statement on Instagram on July 9, acknowledging her past remarks and expressing remorse. 'I was 19 and I was entirely aware of what I was saying and that was why I said it,' Cain wrote. 'All I can say is that I am truly sorry from the bottom of my heart.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo Cain admitted the accounts and posts in question were hers. She described her younger self as deliberately provocative, seeking attention through inflammatory language. In the statement, she said she no longer stands by those views and now looks back on that time "shamefully." She rejected excuses for her behavior, saying: 'At the end of the day, I am white… I can take accountability for my actions, but there's no way for me to fully understand the way it feels to be on the receiving end of them.' Live Events Cain said that she intends to use her platform for progress and atonement through her actions going forward. Claims of Harassment and Hacking While apologizing, Cain also pushed back against the manner in which the posts were unearthed. She alleged that the resurfacing was part of a deliberate 'smear campaign' involving hacking, harassment, and doxxing. 'These are screenshots obtained through extensive digging, hacking, and cooperative effort amongst a group of individuals,' she wrote. 'This information was hoarded until the perfect moment arose to unleash it.' She claimed personal accounts were compromised, her family was targeted, and private childhood photos were circulated. Her team is reportedly pursuing legal action. Responds to Specific Allegations Cain also addressed more serious claims, including accusations related to artwork some deemed inappropriate and a photo that critics alleged suggested animal abuse. She denied all such accusations, explaining them in context: She said a homemade shirt with 'Legalize Incest' was a provocative joke during a time she sought shock value online. Cain explained that a character in her art, allegedly depicted in sexualized ways, represented her trauma after a sexual assault. The character was of legal age, mirroring Cain's own. Describing the image as a moment at a party, she called the allegation 'absurd.' She admitted to mistakenly using a poster linked to a real child's case as part of an album promo. She apologized, calling it careless but unintentional. Pushes Back Against 'Fetishization' Claims Cain also responded to accusations that her work 'fetishizes' the female experience and trauma. As a transgender woman, she defended her right to explore themes of abuse and fear in her art. 'Preacher's Daughter is a deeply personal story to me, born from my traumas and deepest fears,' she said. 'If it reads as a fetish to you, then that is your problem and not mine.' Ethel Cain rose to fame with her 2022 debut Preacher's Daughter, which was widely praised for its raw storytelling and haunting sound. As one of the most prominent transgender artists in pop and alternative music today, Cain's public reckoning comes at a sensitive moment amid political polarization and increased scrutiny of public figures' digital histories.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ethel Cain Says She Hunted Down Synths From the ‘Twin Peaks' Soundtrack to Make ‘Nettles'
Ethel Cain is getting ready to release her album Willoughby Tucker, I'll Always Love You on Aug. 8, and on Wednesday, she shared a preview of the project by offering her eight-minute single 'Nettles.' In an Instagram story posted to one of her art accounts, she said that the song was inspired by Twin Peaks, and that she hunted down the specific synths that composer Angelo Badalamenti used to make the show's classic theme song. 'Also fun fact,' she wrote in her Instagram story. 'To everyone saying the song reminds them of Twin Peaks; late last year i watched that video of angelo badalamenti explaining how he wrote laura's theme and loved it so much that i hunted down the synths he used for the twin peaks and bought them and those are the ones i used for 'willoughby.' that video is also the reason i decided to watch twin peaks lol.' More from Rolling Stone Ethel Cain Will Follow Album Release With 'Willoughby Tucker Forever' Tour Ethel Cain Says '#KillMoreCEOs': 'Make Them Fear' Bad Bunny, Japanese Breakfast, Ethel Cain, and All the Songs You Need to Know This Week In another Instagram story, she continued, 'For those asking, the specific keyboard I used for the nettles intro (i call them my angelo synths) was a Yamaha DX7s.' Badalamenti collaborated on the music with the show's creator David Lynch and singer-songwriter Julee Cruise, eventually creating the theme song 'Falling.' The classic track was the cornerstone of the 1990 soundtrack Music From Twin Peaks, and the song went on to win the 1991 Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Performance. Cain said in a statement that 'Nettles' was written around the same time as her last album. 'This song and the last track on the record were both written the same week, the very first week I moved into the house in Alabama where I finished Preacher's Daughter,' Cain said. 'In similar fashion to Preacher's Daughter (specifically 'A House in Nebraska' and 'Strangers'), I wrote what essentially became the beginning and end of the story without realizing it. What were originally just little vignettes of emotion I was feeling at the time ultimately became the tentpoles for a larger narrative.' She added, ''Nettles' became a dream of losing the one you love, asking them to reassure you that it won't come true and to dream, instead, of all the time you'll have together as you grow old side by side. Every once in a blue moon, it feels good to slough off the macabre and to simply let love be.' In an interview with Rolling Stone, Cain opened up about her creative process and says she has multiple characters and generations all tied to the same universe across her albums. 'This is going to be 15, 20 years from now,' she says. 'I work very slow. That's how I like it.' Best of Rolling Stone The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ethel Cain will bring tour to St. Paul after release of her second album this year
Ethel Cain's penchant for balancing dark ambient textural soundscapes with pop hooks will be on display in September when her tour comes to St. Paul. Cain's "The Willoughby Tucker Forever" tour will head to the Palace Theatre on Sept. 19. The tour name comes from her upcoming album, Willoughby Tucker, I'll Always Love You. It'll be Cain's second album released this year when it arrives over the summer. It follows Cain's heralded and, possibly, most experimental recording to date, Perverts, which was released in January. The album's announcement characterizes Willoughby Tucker as a prequel to her 2022 debut, Preacher's Daughter. (Tucker is the name of Cain's high school boyfriend, who surfaced in the song "A House in Nebraska" off that debut record, per Pitchfork.) The St. Paul stop is the second-to-last date of the tour's North American leg, which will have 9million opening at the Palace Theatre. Tickets for Ethel Cain at the Palace Theatre went on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 28. As part of the tour, Cain will partner with the Ally Coalition to donate $1 from every ticket to local organizations that support the trans community.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Huge American singer to perform at popular Glasgow venue
A huge American singer is coming to Glasgow later this year. Ethel Cain, famous for songs like American Teenager and Crush, will be performing at the O2 Academy in the Southside of the city. The show will take place on Saturday, October 4. READ NEXT: Popular musician announces two shows in Glasgow as part of UK tour The gig will follow the release of Cain's new record, Willoughby Tucker, I Will Always Love You, which is set to be released this August. (Image: Image of Ethel Cain) The album will serve as a prequel to Cain's debut album Preacher's Daughter, which was released in 2022 and follows her recent experimental project, Perverts, released earlier this year to widespread acclaim. READ NEXT: Ska pop legends announce December Hydro show with huge support act Pre-sale tickets will go live on Wednesday, March 26 at 10am. General sale will take place on March 28 at 10am. To purchase tickets, visit
