The topic of cancel culture is one that’s polarizing our society at the moment. Many believe it’s already starting to become a hot topic. It has become a social normWhen it comes to celebrities. Noted pop star Sia, who you may know from her signature exaggerated blonde and black hairstyle that’s used to hide her face, had her experience with it last year. This happened when singer Sia was in her 20s. She was in hot water for her directorial debut MusicA musical comedy about an autistic young girl. According to the pop star turned director, she suffered a relapse due to backlash from her viewers.
Sia was quoted in a recent article by. The New York TimesKathy Griffin, comedian. While Griffin was instrumental in her recovery from the Music backlash, Griffin also revealed how the experience affected her.
I was suicidal. I relapsed, and I went to rehab.
The backlash came specifically from autistic people who believed MusicTo be detrimental, rather than to be helpful on their own Film depictionPop culture. The intention of the film, based upon past comments by the director as well as her cast members, was to increase representation for autistic individuals.
The film’s production was a problem that many critics were unhappy about. It lacked the right actress, one of which is the fact that she is not autistic. Neurodiversity in the making the project. Those who take issue with the movie argue that representation doesn’t mean much if the community the movie is trying to represent does not include individuals who live with the experience either in front of or behind the camera.
Apparently, MusicOriginal casting had an autistic actor as the lead, but the actress who was originally cast found production too stressful made the switch to a neurotypical actress. Many in the community feel that the casting of a neurotypical actress as the lead role sends the message that autistic actor are difficult to hire, which is not only unwelcoming for those on the spectrum, but also hurtful to autistic actors.
A scene in the film shows the main character being held in prone restraint. This practice has been linked to injuries and death. The scene was removed from all future prints after the backlash. Sia has stated that she did extensive research and made public comments about the subject. Sia has stated that the film could have been more accurate in portraying the autistic experience, and that she had no ill will towards the autistic community.
MusicIt ended up on Last year’s Golden Globes nomineesThe move was widely criticized. The film is currently the only theatrical feature Sia has helmed.