Charli XCX has grudgingly accepted her tweet stating that Kamala Harris is a “brat” that went viral during this year’s presidential election.
The pop sensation was questioned over the contentious social media post regarding the Vice President for her cover story in New York Magazine. She clarified that she composed it while lounging by the pool at her Los Angeles residence, intending more to write “something nice and cheerful” to greet the new presidential contender than to make a political endorsement.
But because of the English singer’s support for Harris, her album Brat—which had already gained popularity this summer due to its upbeat, carefree vibe, viral star-studded remixes, and striking green cover art—was appropriated by Harris’ political campaign and made into a meme. Harris’ status as a “brat” was now being debated on Fox News and CNN. Bill Maher also voiced his opinion, saying that Harris’s status as a “brat” sounded “like Trump.” Never mind that Charli is not an American citizen and cannot vote in this election, even though she owns properties in the country.
“To be on the right side of democracy, the right side of women’s rights, is hugely important to me,” said Charli about her support towards Harris becoming a talking point during this election. “I’m happy to help to prevent democracy from failing forever.”
“Did I think me talking about being a messy bitch and, like, partying and needing a Bic lighter and a pack of Marlboro Lights would end up on CNN? No,” she admitted. Charli clarified that while she wanted to share where she stands politically, she has no desire to be a “political artist,” noting, “I’m not Bob Dylan, and I never pretended to be.”
“Everything I do in my life feeds back into my art. Everything I say, wear, think, enjoy — it all funnels back into my art. Politics doesn’t feed my art,” Charli continued.
While “Brat summer” has died down, Harris’ campaign has continued to use Brat as part of her branding, particularly present at the DNC. Senator Cory Booker sported a cap that said “NJ is Brat.” Mindy Kaling also declared that Nancy Pelosi “was doing Brat before Brat was Brat.” DNC attendees also turned up in slime green shirts.
