Billie Eilish Strikes Back Against Social Media Critics



by FARUK IMAMOVIC

Billie Eilish Strikes Back Against Social Media Critics
Billie Eilish Strikes Back Against Social Media Critics

Pop music icon Billie Eilish is sounding off on social media, taking critics to task over their comments on her evolving style. The young singer-songwriter has faced a barrage of criticisms from individuals who seemed perturbed by her shift from a more androgynous aesthetic to a feminine one.

Unpacking the Backlash

In a recent Instagram post, Eilish shared a close-up image of her face, captioned with a bold rebuke against her critics: "I spent the first 5 years of my career getting absolutely OBLITERATED by you fools for being boyish and dressing how I did & constantly being told I'd be hotter if I acted like a woman.

Now when I feel comfortable enough to wear anything remotely feminine or fitting, I'm accused of changing and selling out." Unleashing a volley of sharp words, Eilish dubbed her critics as "true idiots" and "bozos", asserting their need to "let women rest." Her message underlines the struggle women face while navigating societal expectations about appearance and gender roles.

Eilish didn't stop there. In a follow-up Instagram story, she drove home her point: "FUN FACT! Did you know that women are multifaceted? Shocking right? Believe it or not, women could be interested in multiple things."

Eilish on Identity, Femininity, and the Freedom to Change

She continued, challenging traditional notions of femininity and reinforcing the idea that femininity doesn't equate to weakness. "Also, that femininity does not equal weakness? Insane right? And also, it's unheard of and insane to want to express yourself differently at different times." In a final post, she delivered a stinging parting shot to her critics, urging them to remember her stance against their unasked-for and unwarranted opinions.

The Grammy-winning artist has previously experienced backlash due to her evolving style. Speaking with ELLE magazine for their October 2021 issue, Eilish revealed that a change in her aesthetic led to the loss of a substantial number of Instagram followers.

She expressed her disdain for the dehumanizing nature of social media scrutiny, pointing out that one's self-exploration and identity formation should not be fodder for public opinion. Eilish concluded her social media stand with a reminder: "I had no goal of 'This is going to make everybody think differently of me.'

I'm still the same person. I'm not just different Barbies with different heads." In the face of changing aesthetics, one thing remains constant - Billie Eilish's fierce commitment to authenticity.

Billie Eilish