Doja Cat, the chart-topping rapper known for her infectious beats and playful personality, has found herself at the center of controversy once again. This time, it stems from a social media post featuring a shirt with a divisive figure. But this isn’t Doja Cat’s first brush with online criticism. Let’s delve deeper into the recent incident and explore her past controversies involving online chatrooms and fan interactions.
Sam Hyde Merch Sparks Disappointment
On October 6th, Doja Cat, whose real name is Amala Dlamini, uploaded a photo to her Instagram showcasing her outfit – a car selfie featuring a t-shirt with alt-right comedian Sam Hyde holding a rifle. The image quickly sparked outrage among fans. Hyde, a controversial figure with a history of making offensive statements, has been linked to white supremacist ideologies.
Doja Cat reportedly reuploaded the photo, this time cropping out the shirt. The accompanying caption, according to reports, consisted of a series of rolling-eye emojis, seemingly dismissing the concerns of her fans. Followers expressed their disappointment, with comments like “We saw the first post” and “Girl, come on. This ain’t cute or funny.” Another user pointed out the seriousness of the issue, stating, “This shirt is absolutely not a joke, and it crossed the line into utterly unacceptable.”
The Los Angeles Times reported that in 2017, Hyde donated $5,000 to the white supremacist website Daily Stormer. Doja Cat’s decision to wear clothing associated with such views left many fans feeling alienated and questioning her judgment.
A History of Chatroom Controversy : Doja Cat
This incident isn’t the first time Doja Cat‘s online past has come under scrutiny. In 2020, accusations surfaced about her involvement in alt-right chatrooms during her teenage years. She later addressed this in an Instagram Live, apologizing for a 2015 song containing lyrics that trivialized police brutality against Black people.
Doja Cat explained that she used the offensive term after spending time in online spaces filled with hateful language. She claimed to have used the slur in an attempt to reclaim power from those who had used it against her. Despite the apology, the incident raised questions about her judgment and understanding of the term’s history.
Fan Disrespect and Continued Success
Earlier this year, Doja Cat faced criticism for seemingly belittling her fanbase. She reportedly told fans who identified as “kittens” to stop using social media and get jobs to help their parents. This comment resulted in the deletion of numerous fan accounts, showcasing the singer’s sometimes-strained relationship with her audience.
However, despite these controversies, Doja Cat remains a successful artist. Her latest album, “Scarlet,” released in September 2024, debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart and features her second Billboard Hot 100 number-one single, “Paint The Town Red.”
Doja Cat’s talent and musical contributions are undeniable. However, her online behavior continues to spark conversation and raise questions. It remains to be seen how she will navigate these controversies moving forward and whether she can rebuild trust with her fanbase.
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