Nicole Scherzinger, former Pussycat Dolls member and current judge on The Masked Singer, is facing criticism for her apparent allegiance with Russell Brand, a comedian and actor who has been accused of rape and sexual assault.
The controversy began when Brand posted a photo on Instagram wearing a red “Make Jesus First Again” hat, which is formatted similarly to the infamous “Make America Great Again” hats worn by supporters of former President Donald Trump. In the photo, Scherzinger can be seen commenting, “Where do I get this hat!!!?”
Many fans were quick to call out Scherzinger for seemingly aligning herself with Brand, who has faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. In 2017, a woman accused Brand of drugging and sexually assaulting her in his hotel room. While Brand denied the allegations and was not charged, the incident sparked a larger conversation about consent and accountability in the entertainment industry.
Scherzinger’s comment on Brand’s post was seen as tone-deaf and insensitive, especially in light of the recent #MeToo movement and ongoing efforts to hold abusers accountable. Fans were disappointed that Scherzinger, a successful and influential woman, would seemingly support someone with a history of alleged sexual misconduct.
In response to the backlash, Scherzinger has not publicly addressed the situation or clarified her comment. However, she has since deleted her comment on Brand’s post.
This is not the first time Scherzinger has faced criticism for her actions. In 2019, she faced backlash for working with controversial music producer Dr. Luke, who was accused of sexual assault by singer Kesha. Scherzinger defended her decision, stating that she had not experienced any inappropriate behavior from Dr. Luke and believed in giving people second chances.
While it is unclear if Scherzinger’s comment was meant to be a joke or if she truly supports Brand’s message, her apparent alliance with someone who has been accused of sexual misconduct is concerning. As a public figure, Scherzinger has a responsibility to use her platform to promote positive and inclusive messages, rather than aligning herself with individuals who have a history of harmful behavior.
In the wake of this controversy, it is important for celebrities to be mindful of the messages they are sending and the people they are associating with. It is crucial to hold individuals accountable for their actions and to support survivors of sexual assault. As for Scherzinger, it is hoped that she will address the situation and use her platform to promote positive change.
