Rina Sawayama Challenges Matty Healy’s Controversial Podcast Remarks

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

By Matthew Ismael Ruiz June 25, 2023

Introduction

Rina Sawayama, the up-and-coming British singer, made a powerful statement during her performance at the Glastonbury Festival of Performing Arts. Before launching into her song “STFU!”, Sawayama took the opportunity to call out Matty Healy, lead vocalist of the popular band The 1975, for his controversial remarks made during a podcast appearance. Sawayama accused Healy of owning her masters and expressed her discontent by exclaiming, “I’ve had enough!” This incident has sparked discussions surrounding the power dynamics within the music industry and the responsibilities artists have towards each other.

The Controversial Comments

The controversy surrounding Matty Healy began in February when he appeared on the Adam Friedland Show. During the podcast, Healy admitted to watching pornography that degraded and subjugated Black women. Moreover, he showed insensitivity towards Asian cultures by laughing along as the hosts mocked Chinese, Hawaiian, and Japanese accents. These remarks not only perpetuated harmful stereotypes but also showcased a lack of respect for marginalized communities.

The Fallout: Healy’s Removal and Sawayama’s Response

The fallout from Healy’s podcast comments was swift. Two months after the episode aired, he was removed from his position on the board of directors for Dirty Hit Limited, the record label that represents both Healy’s band, The 1975, and Sawayama. This indicates that the label took the incident seriously and aimed to distance itself from Healy’s offensive behavior.

During her performance at Glastonbury, Sawayama made her feelings towards Healy clear. By publicly denouncing his ownership of her masters, she highlighted the power dynamics that exist within the music industry, where artists often have limited control over their own creative works. Sawayama’s words also served as a broader critique of the toxic culture within the entertainment industry that allows for such behavior to persist.

The Philosopher’s Perspective: Freedom of Speech and Responsibility

This incident provides an opportunity to reflect on the ethical and philosophical implications of freedom of speech. While individuals have the right to express their opinions, it is crucial to consider the consequences of those words. Healy’s podcast comments not only perpetuated harmful stereotypes and attitudes but also potentially harmed the personal and professional relationships within the music industry.

Freedom of speech comes with a responsibility to be mindful of the impact one’s words can have on others. In an industry where artists are cultural influencers, their words hold weight, and they have the ability to shape public opinions. Artists must recognize the potential harm their words can cause and continually strive to foster inclusivity and respect.

The Call for Accountability: Cancel Culture and Moving Forward

The incident involving Matty Healy and Rina Sawayama raises questions about the role of cancel culture in holding individuals accountable for their actions. Cancel culture refers to the practice of withdrawing support and canceling individuals deemed to have acted inappropriately or held offensive views. While cancel culture can contribute to a more accountable society, it is crucial to strike a balance between calling out problematic behavior and allowing space for individuals to learn, grow, and make amends.

Moving forward, it is essential for artists to engage in meaningful conversations about cultural sensitivity, inclusivity, and racial understanding. This incident should serve as a call to action for the music industry to create safer and more inclusive spaces for artists of all backgrounds. Labels and artists alike should prioritize education and awareness, ensuring that offensive behavior and remarks are not tolerated, and that artists are held accountable for their actions.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding Matty Healy’s podcast remarks and Rina Sawayama’s public denouncement during her Glastonbury performance highlight the importance of responsibility, respect, and accountability within the music industry. This incident serves as a reminder that artists have the power to shape public opinion and must exercise that power with care. It also emphasizes the need for continuous dialogue and action to create a more inclusive and understanding industry. By addressing these issues head-on, the music industry can work towards fostering an environment that values and respects artists of all backgrounds.