Emma Gardner outlines the recent controversies surrounding Lana Del Rey who has often found herself in the firing line
Content Warning: This article mentions sexual assault and content readers may find upsetting
Lana Del Rey-A 60s inspired musical goddess or a controversial prima donna? That is the question. In recent months, all eyes have been on the highly questionable endeavours of Lana del Rey. Whether it’s been endangering the lives of fans or dubious explanations for those contentious Instagram posts, there’s no doubt that she has been in the firing line. It’s almost as if over the last six months, every time I hear her name it’s hard not to groan and roll my eyes to think, what has she done this time?
Let’s think back to May. Her first faux pas was to discredit a new wave of female artists such as Cardi B and Doja Cat. Whether intentional or not, it certainly caused a stir. Her original statement, which evidently dishonoured the long-standing battle of black female artists to express their sexuality musically on their own terms, appeared as another cry to improve her somewhat dwindling appeal. Surely as an experienced artist, Lana understands that deliberately releasing provocative material will no doubt cause controversy. In my view, Lana’s privileged position as a successful, white female artist has meant she has failed to see the true implications of her statement.
However, this revelation even if true, fails to address what was distinctly a ploy for some attention
In an unsurprising turn of events, Del Rey turned up to a recent book signing in LA to read her new poetry book, wearing none other than a mesh facemask. Despite claims from her management that she was socially distancing at the event, photos emerging of her posing with fans suggest otherwise. Unquestionably, the stunt was not only irresponsible (given that we are in the middle of a pandemic) but also screamed that she is literally willing to endanger her fan’s lives to get her five minutes of fame. Up to date reports suggests that the facemask was actually lined with plastic. However, this revelation even if true, fails to address what was distinctly a ploy for some attention.
On a similar note, I was slightly concerned to see that she has resorted to covering ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’. The video itself seems a bit pretentious, suggesting to me that her appeal has dropped so much that she now has to attract a new fanbase of middle-aged football supporters to feel validated. This recent attempt in my eyes just seems like a desperate ploy to drum up support from a new cadre of unsuspecting listeners.
Similarly, worthy of discussing are the ongoing claims that Del Rey has glamorised abuse through her lyrical content. A significant example that springs to mind is her song ‘Ultraviolence’, from the 2014 album of the same name. Her lyrics “he hit me, and it felt like a kiss” shows us that these claims are certainly not unsubstantiated. Whilst one could argue that the song is poetic, I think there is more at stake here. As a fourteen-year-old, I was one of the lucky few to misinterpret the song as an ode to contentious relationship between Doors frontman Jim Morrison and his girlfriend Pamela Courson. However, other young fans haven’t been so lucky.
The fact of the matter is, Lana Del Rey has an expansive fanbase, with a large majority being made up of young and impressionable girls. It feels as though Lana has not thought through the effect that such ideas could have on young women, who perhaps, could end up thinking that an abusive relationship is something that is normal and end up romanticising it.
This whole debacle has been worsened by her involvement in a video which displays her staged rape. Whilst originally promoted as a Marilyn Manson music video, he claimed that this video had nothing to do with him. We cannot deny that the existence of such a video at all is troubling, especially when we think about this susceptible, malleable young fan base who could be viewing such atrocities.
Not only have these events caused controversy, but the list goes on. Lana has exacerbated a whole host of troublesome and problematic themes. Let us think back to the promotion of her single ‘Blue Jeans’ in 2012, which depicts her being choked. Additionally, whilst not on the topic of romanticising abuse, Lana has on multiple occasions appropriated foreign cultures, whether it was wearing a Native American headdress in her Ride music video or wearing Mexican American braids. When it comes down to it, Lana del Rey is asking for trouble. She claims to be well intentioned, but it appears to me that her continued controversial behaviour has done more harm than good.
Whether Lana has been truly glorifying abuse, or perhaps has not realised the extent of her actions, there is no doubt that her behaviour is significantly problematic
Whether Lana has been truly glorifying abuse, or perhaps has not realised the extent of her actions, there is no doubt that her behaviour is significantly problematic in such a fragile culture. My principal concern is the effect of her endeavours on her young fans who perhaps do not possess the maturity to distinguish between a unique artist and a romanticised narrative of abuse and submission. She presents a rather warped view of feminism and female empowerment, in my opinion.
Conversely, it’s important to consider that perhaps in today’s society, the issue of cancel culture and societal sensitivity has gone too far. Despite critics’ negative reviews on her first albums like 2011’s Born to Die and 2014’s Ultraviolence, I believe they cement themselves for me as nostalgic paragons of the 1960s, with her dreamy, ethereal vocals and backcombed femme-fatale persona.
Perhaps nowadays though, her original appeal has worn off and a controversial approach will not wash in today’s world. Despite the success of her most recent album, Normal Fu**ng Rockwell (more popular with critics at least) it is evident that Lana’s questionable ventures, especially related to publicity, have certainly struck a nerve. Maybe Lana Del Rey’s image is now tired and the only way for her to be successful is to be tendentious. However, this approach is severely flawed. In such a flimsy society as ours, the only way to truly be successful in the long run is to be as authentic as possible and not to conduct such frivolous publicity stunts-especially in the name of getting a bit more attention.
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