Lana Del Rey Defends Controversial Instagram Comments

Lana Del Rey has expanded on her controversial Instagram post, adding comments that address issues of racism. Following the backlash she received, Lana wrote in her comments section “I fucking love these singers and know them,” referring to Doja Cat, Ariana Grande, Camila Cabello, Cardi B, Kehlani, Nicki Minaj, and Beyoncé, who, this morning, she claimed, “have had number ones with songs about being sexy, wearing no clothes, fucking, cheating etc.” Lana continued, “#that is why I mentioned them I would also like to have some of the same freedom of expression without judgment of hysteria. There you go.” (Lana also shared two of her responses in an Instagram story, viewed by Pitchfork).

Del Rey also addressed the fact that many of the female artists she mentioned in her original post are women of color. “Bro. This is sad to make it about a WOC issue when I’m talking about my favorite singers,” Lana wrote. “I could’ve literally said anyone but I picked my favorite fucking people.” She continued: “And this is the problem with society today, not everything is about whatever you want it to be. It’s exactly the point of my post—there are certain women that culture doesn’t want to have a voice it may not have to do with race I don’t know what it has to do with. I don’t care anymore but don’t ever ever ever ever bro- call me racist because that is bullshit.”

Another of Del Rey’s comments read:

By the way the singers I mentioned are my favorite singers so if you want to try and make a bone to pick out of that like you always do be my guest, it doesn’t change the fact that I haven’t had the same opportunity to express what I wanted to express without being completely decimated
and if you want to say that that has something to do with race that’s your opinion but that’s not what I was saying.

She added:

And my last and final note on everything—when I said people who look like me—I meant the people who don’t look strong or necessarily smart, or like they’re in control etc. it’s about advocating for a more delicate personality, not for white woman—thanks for the Karen comments tho. V helpful

Del Rey also posted a video clip with the hashtag #fuckoff. You can find both of Del Rey’s posts below.

Lana’s Instagram post also announced that her next album is slated to arrive September 5. She also wrote that two books of poetry will be released shortly. Lana Del Rey’s most recent album Norman Fucking Rockwell! was released last year.