Pop and hip hop artist Doja Cat is back with another single after her recent controversy. The singer recently came under fire for publicly lashing out at young fans online for nicknaming themselves “Kittens.” The musician previously approved this nickname, hence the puzzled reactions across social media. The singer went on to criticize her own music, insinuating that her previously acclaimed pop albums were too commercialized for her liking. She even referred to her Grammy winning “Planet Her” as a “cash grab.”
The musician continues to post dark and gothic visuals to her social media accounts, and has recently gotten several tattoos inspired by Dante’s “Inferno.” The visuals had many listeners sensing a genre shift on the horizon, but the newest song appears to prove otherwise. “Paint The Town Red” continues in Doja’s signature pop, R&B, and hip hop fusion style.
all that racket just to continue making the music she usually makes https://t.co/BDQSuZ03XP
— bwa (@thereturnofBWA) August 4, 2023
Social Media Reactions
Despite the new track’s quality, many listeners cannot seem to get past Kittensgate. Hundreds of young fans who discovered the singer on TikTok deleted their fan accounts dedicated to her in response to her negative commentary towards them.
and then diss her fans for supporting her? The audacity like???? like have a lil gratitude
— touya’s camgirl ???????? (@DabiCumSponge) August 4, 2023
Doja Cat previously discussed writing music from the point of view of an alter-ego. The alter-ego for her upcoming album, Scarlet, may be shining through in the singer’s latest actions. Some fans continue to justify her behavior with this theory.
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Gabe P and Nyla Simone discuss Doja Cat’s recent behavior towards fans and whether it could be part of her ‘Scarlet’ alter ego.
????: https://t.co/XYfLm1TzYi pic.twitter.com/HO0YSHEHFU
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) July 26, 2023
Some feel that the music video for “Paint The Town Red” only further proved the Scarlet theory. Some additionally theorize that the video and song contain biblical references to the demonization of women.
I’m only posting this because i know i’m not dumb and cause i actually have some knowledge on this topic, SO. doja cat is currently playing this “Scarlet” character which in the Biblie is the whore of babylon aka scarlet woman ➡️ pic.twitter.com/HZqJkF4JHe
— horse roof tap dance (@goatmilksoap129) July 26, 2023
Just weeks ago, following the strange Kittens commentary on Threads, the singer took to Twitter to thank fans for buying tickets to her upcoming tour. Fans reacted with confusion to the post, as the singer never apologized to the countless young fans she appeared to insult.
Love you too, but can you please address the elephant in the room bestie?
— steven ❀ (@arianaunext) July 21, 2023
Others are taking the lyrics to the new track as her response.
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https://twitter.com/I_Am_Shxh/status/1687514310665269248?s=20
Doja Cat is also yet to comment directly on her controversial relationship with former Vine star Jay Cyrus. The digital creator faces several allegations of grooming, misconduct, and sexual harassment. The singer allegedly blocked several people who attempted to contact her privately regarding the situation. Cyrus previously posted a public apology for his actions in 2020.
@darrengreenetiktok #DojaCat is blocking fans left and right after being called out for dating problematic boyfriend #JCyrus #doja#celebgossip#celebnews#blacktiktoks#dojastan#barbz
Doja Cat has not issued further commentary surrounding the meaning behind her latest single. The release date for the singer’s upcoming full length album is to be announced. Her “Scarlet” tour begins on Halloween in San Francisco, California. Ice Spice and Doechii will additionally serve as supporting acts on select dates of the tour.
