Rina Sawayama Calls Out Matty Healy’s Podcast Remarks

Pitchfork Rina Sawayama Denounces Matty Healy’s Podcast Comments During Glastonbury Set

The Controversy Surrounding Rina Sawayama’s Performance at Glastonbury

During her recent performance at the Glastonbury Festival of Performing Arts, rising artist Rina Sawayama took a stand against fellow musician Matty Healy of the 1975. While introducing her song “STFU!” Sawayama made thinly veiled remarks directed at Healy, stating, “Tonight, this goes out to a white man that watches Ghetto Gaggers, and mocks Asian people on a podcast. He also owns my masters…I’ve had enough.”

This bold statement by Sawayama serves as a response to the controversy surrounding Healy’s appearance on the Adam Friedland Show in February. In this interview, Healy openly admitted to indulging in pornography that degrades and subjugates Black women, as well as engaging in racist behavior by laughing at racial stereotypes of Chinese, Hawaiian, and Japanese accents during a discussion about the rapper Ice Spice.

Matty Healy’s Repercussions and Apology

The fallout from Healy’s podcast comments was swift and consequential. Two months after it aired, he was removed from his position on the board of directors for Dirty Hit Limited, the independent British record label that represents both Sawayama and the 1975. Healy had been serving as a director for the company since December 2018.

It is worth noting that Healy did address the controversy during a performance in New Zealand, expressing some level of remorse. While his apology was somewhat ambiguous, stating that he was “kind of a bit sorry,” it was an acknowledgment of the impact of his words and actions.

The Significance of Rina Sawayama’s Stand

Sawayama’s decision to use her platform at Glastonbury to denounce Healy’s comments is emblematic of a larger movement within the entertainment industry. Artists are becoming increasingly vocal about the need for accountability and the rejection of harmful behavior and attitudes. In this case, Sawayama’s act of defiance sends a powerful message to both Healy and the wider industry: racist and degrading behavior will not go unchecked.

This incident also raises broader questions about the responsibility of musicians and artists when it comes to maintaining ethics in their personal and public lives. As public figures, artists have the power to influence society and shape cultural norms. It is imperative that they use that power responsibly and refrain from engaging in behavior that perpetuates harm and discrimination.

Editorial: An Industry in Flux

The controversy surrounding Matty Healy’s podcast comments and Rina Sawayama’s response highlight the growing pains within the music industry. While there is no denying the power and influence artists hold, there is a need for an increased focus on accountability and ethical conduct.

As consumers of music, we have the power to support artists who align with our values and reject those who do not. In this case, Sawayama’s brave stance against Healy’s offensive behavior serves as a rallying cry for accountability. It is incumbent upon us to stand with artists who prioritize respect, inclusivity, and equality.

Advice for Artists and Listeners Alike

For artists, it is crucial to recognize the impact of their words and actions. Upholding ethical standards and being mindful of the messages they convey through their art is of utmost importance. Artists have the ability to inspire change and progress by using their platforms responsibly.

For listeners, it is essential to hold artists accountable for their behavior, both on and off stage. By supporting artists who stand against discrimination, we can collectively demand a higher standard within the music industry. Furthermore, by actively engaging in dialogue and discussion surrounding these issues, we can create a space for growth and progress.

Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Matty Healy and Rina Sawayama serves as a reminder that the pursuit of artistic expression must always be accompanied by respect and consideration for others. It is through this collective commitment to inclusivity and empathy that we can build a more equitable and just music industry.