The former 'Dance Moms' star is accused of dismissing older gay stars' contributions to music after claiming she created a new genre of music called 'gay pop.'
- Apr 9, 2024
AceShowbiz - JoJo Siwa has sparked controversy within the LGBTQ+ community after claiming to have created a new genre of music called "gay pop." The 20-year-old former "Dance Moms" star made the remarks while discussing her sexually charged music video for "Karma."
"When I first signed with Columbia, I said 'I wanted to start a new genre of music,' " Siwa told Billboard. "They said, 'What do you mean?', and I said, 'It's called 'gay pop.' It's like K-pop but it's gay pop.' "
The statement ignited a swift backlash, with critics arguing that such a genre has already existed for decades. Commentators pointed to a long list of LGBTQ+ pop stars who have been making music for years, including Hayley Kiyoko, Dove Cameron, Frank Ocean, RuPaul, Kali Uchis, Ayesha Erotica, David Bowie, Boy George, and Tegan and Sara.
"That's literally been around for longer than she's been alive," one fan wrote on Twitter. "Jojo siwa saying she wants to create a new genre of music called 'gay pop' is the most ignorant thing on planet earth."
Queer pop star Hayley Kiyoko was also brought up in many of the responses, with some accusing Siwa of dismissing her contributions to the genre.
Siwa later clarified her remarks in an interview with Buzzfeed, stating that she meant to say she was bringing a "new version of pop music" back, not inventing a completely new genre. However, the controversy continued to simmer online.
In addition to the backlash over her "gay pop" comments, Siwa's recent rebrand has also drawn criticism. Critics have accused her of copying Miley Cyrus' "Bangerz" era and shedding her former child-friendly image for a more provocative one.
Despite the controversy, Siwa remains confident in her vision and has expressed a desire to inspire others to be different and express themselves freely. "I have a vision, I've always had it," she told Billboard. "I know what I wanna be. I know where I wanna go."
