Olivia Rodrigo responds to babydoll dress criticism, says it shows normalization of pedophilia
The Story
Olivia Rodrigo has responded to online backlash over a babydoll dress she wore while performing in Spain. In an interview, she stated that the criticism shows how pedophilia is normalized in culture. The singer is promoting her upcoming third album, which features a similar dress on its cover.
Key Facts
- Rodrigo faced backlash after wearing a short puffy floral dress while performing her single “Drop Dead” at Barcelona’s Teatre Grec on 8 May.
- She also wears a similar dress on the cover of her upcoming album.
- In an interview with the New York Times’ Popcast, Rodrigo said the criticism upset her and that she has worn more revealing outfits without similar backlash.
- She stated the criticism “shows how we really normalize pedophilia in our culture” and reflects a rhetoric that blames girls for being sexualized.
- Rodrigo is promoting her third album “You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love”, released on 12 June.
- The Guardian’s Laura Snapes praised the lead single “Drop Dead” for its “melody destined to stalk listeners’ brains all summer”.
- Rodrigo noted the babydoll dress is iconic for 90s punk stars like Kathleen Hanna and Courtney Love.
- Courtney Love posted Instagram stories in support of Rodrigo.
- Rodrigo said the new album explores lighter themes of joy, love, and passion.
- Last year she headlined Glastonbury, and in October she called out the White House for using her music in anti-immigration videos, describing it as “racist, hateful propaganda”.
- Her video for single “The Cure” features a pink nurse’s outfit, and she announced a fall US tour with UK and Europe dates to follow.
Conflicting Reports
No conflicting reports identified in the source article.
Still Unclear
No open questions identified in the source article.
Misconceptions
No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.
Key Figures
- Olivia Rodrigo (singer)
- Laura Snapes (Guardian critic)
- Kathleen Hanna (musician, mentioned)
- Courtney Love (musician, mentioned and posted support)
Sources: The Guardian
