Olivia Rodrigo opens up on activism, ICE video controversy in new interview ahead of upcoming album
Rodrigo previously condemned the use of her music in political content and has been vocal on immigration issues
Olivia Rodrigo has spoken about her approach to activism and recent political controversies in a new interview with Dazed magazine, where she appears as the latest cover star ahead of her upcoming album release.
Discussing whether speaking out on issues is important to her, Rodrigo said, “I think part of being an artist is sharing how you feel with other people. I don’t have a political science degree, I’m not the most educated person on planet Earth, but I like to try and stay up to date on things and share how I feel.”
The singer also addressed criticism of US immigration enforcement after her track “all-american bitch” was used in a government-related video shared by the Department of Homeland Security and White House accounts last year.
Reflecting on the incident, Rodrigo said, “I was just scrolling on my phone. It was so deeply disturbing to see that propaganda, and the fact it was my song in there made me feel even more enraged. What they’re doing is so awful and barbaric and cruel. I am really sad to be in a country that thinks that’s OK.”
The original video reportedly featured Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations alongside the song, prompting backlash from the artist and other musicians over the use of music in political messaging.
Photo: Instagram
Rodrigo previously condemned the use of her music in political content and has been vocal on immigration issues in the past, including criticism of deportation raids in Los Angeles.
The interview appears ahead of Rodrigo’s third album you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love, which is set release on June 12.
