Charli XCX has reluctantly embraced her tweet declaring Kamala Harris is “brat” becoming a phenomenon during this year’s presidential election.
In her New York magazine cover story, the pop star was asked about the divisive social media statement about the vice president. She explained that she wrote it while relaxing in the pool at her Los Angeles home, not thinking much about it as a political endorsement, but rather “something positive and lighthearted” to welcome the new presidential nominee.
However, the English singer’s approval for Harris led to her album, Brat — which had already become part of the zeitgeist this summer with the music’s “no cares” attitude, viral star-studded remixes and the eye-catching green cover art — being co-opted by Harris’ political campaign and turned into a meme. Now Harris’ “brat” status was being discussed on CNN and Fox News. Even Bill Maher weighed in, opining that Harris being “brat” sounds “like Trump.” Never mind that while Charli owns properties in the U.S., she is not an American citizen and cannot vote in this election.
“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 of 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. Sen. 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 lime green shirts.
