Australian singer Troye Sivan’s latest track, “Rush,” had been highly anticipated for its release on July 13. With its catchy, uptembo beat, many fans instantly fell in love with it, dubbing it the queer hit of the summer.
While the song was generally well received, a point of contention arose from its music video. The nearly 4-minute clip throughout showed a group of queer personas—essentially, it was Sivan’s ode to queer liberation and love. However, the video invited criticism for the apparent lack of body diversity.
It appeared that those starring in the music video were all of the same particular body type: slim or toned; larger body types were not included. A critic, as reported on Vulture, called the video “a return to body fascism and emaciation.” Another expressed their frustration and disappointment as the visuals only catered to thin bodies.
Fellow popstar Charlie XCX came to Sivan’s defense, calling the issue “a boring discourse.”
i feel like we live in a world where audiences feel like expression or art isn’t worth their time unless it appeases every single unspoken requirement. IT IS SO BORING. if something breaks common aesthetics it’s “weird” or “try hard” if something conforms it’s “offensive” and…
— Charli (@charli_xcx) July 14, 2023
Following the criticisms towards the music video, Sivan admitted in an interview with Billboard that “there wasn’t a ton of thought” put into its making. Besides the negative reactions, the artist revealed that he was troubled to see critics targeting him as a “twink.”
“That really bummed me out to read that because I’ve had my own insecurities with my body image. Everyone’s body is as beautiful as it is, including my own, and it just sucks to see people talking about other people’s bodies,” he said.
But Sivan has learned how to focus and move towards his next accomplishment. He said, “I just feel way, way more relaxed than the early days. I’m not sure if that’s a result of me just chilling out as I’ve grown up or what, but I realized that my job should be really fun.”
Despite the critiques, Sivan expressed his love and pride for ‘Rush,’ recalling the “best time” he spent making it. “But to actually be getting this kind of reaction just feels really nice. It’s a total pleasant surprise,” he shared.
Sivan’s upcoming third studio album, “Something To Give Each Other,” is expected to be released on October 13.
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