Kesha Opens Up About Being ‘Re-Canceled’ Due to Jeffrey Dahmer Lyric
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kesha-jeffrey-dahmer-070125-2885c2a7a76343838a278393398b7509.jpg)
Pop sensation Kesha recently shared an exclusive insight into her reaction to being ‘re-canceled’ over a controversial lyric referencing infamous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. In a candid conversation with PEOPLE, Kesha delved into the resurgence of some of her hit songs on the popular platform TikTok, including tracks like “Cannibal” and “Your Love Is My Drug.”
The 38-year-old singer reflected on the evolving landscape of music consumption, noting the unique phenomenon of older songs finding new life and connecting with a younger audience. Kesha’s debut single “TiK ToK,” released in 2009, played a pivotal role in setting the stage for her later successes, with her music now reaching a diverse range of listeners through social media trends.
One particular track that gained traction on TikTok was “Cannibal,” from Kesha’s EP of the same name, despite not being an official single upon its initial release in 2010. The song sparked a dance trend in 2020, with a lyric alluding to Dahmer raising some eyebrows. As interest in Dahmer’s notorious crimes resurfaced following a 2022 Netflix series, criticism aimed at Kesha for the controversial lyric grew.
Acknowledging the backlash, Kesha admitted, “Oh my God, I got re-canceled for the Jeffrey Dahmer lyric. It was a controversial lyric.” Despite the mixed reactions, she remains unfazed, asserting that pushing boundaries is a crucial aspect of her artistry. The singer emphasised, “If some people aren’t offended by what I’m doing, I’m probably not doing a very good job of being a pop star.”
Apart from “Cannibal,” other songs from Kesha’s repertoire, such as “Take It Off” and “Your Love Is My Drug,” have also experienced a resurgence on TikTok, bridging the gap between loyal fans and a fresh audience. Kesha expressed her delight at witnessing the evolution of music consumption and the enduring appeal of her songs, highlighting the timeless nature of her music.
As Kesha gears up for the release of her upcoming album, . (PERIOD), under her own label Kesha Records, she enters a new phase of creative freedom following the resolution of legal disputes with music producer Lukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottwald and Sony Music. The singer shared her excitement for this new chapter, emphasising her renewed focus on connecting with her audience and delivering authentic, empowering music.
The upcoming album marks a significant milestone in Kesha’s career, symbolising her artistic independence and self-assurance. With a blend of liberation, playfulness, and raw emotion, Kesha aims to inspire and entertain her listeners, all while staying true to her artistic vision. Fans eagerly await the release of . (PERIOD) on Friday, July 4, as Kesha sets out to redefine her musical journey.
In conclusion, Kesha’s resilience and artistic integrity shine through as she navigates the highs and lows of the music industry, embracing controversies with grace and authenticity. Her unwavering commitment to her craft and her unwavering dedication to connecting with her audience underline her status as a trailblazing pop icon in the ever-evolving realm of music.
As Kesha continues to captivate audiences with her electrifying music and bold creativity, her journey serves as a testament to the power of self-expression and resilience in the face of adversity.