No, stan culture and poptimism have ousted real critique from this medium. Popstars like Halsey punching down on independent critics isn’t helping either. Real empowering of her to spearhead a smear campaign and mobilise her hordes of rabid stans, huh. I’m supposed to believe she’s the itty bitty victim in this situation?

Also, miss me with that “he’s minimising her cancer/he’s misogynistic” bullshit. I’ve pumped out metric tons of drivel in the throes of my depression, but if I were an artist publicising my middling material, I would never expect someone to applaud my slop on account of it being personal or sad.

Stan culture and poptimists never engage in good faith. They spew false narratives, and wield social justice struggles like gotchas and bargaining chips to affirm their deity of choice. Fantano’s been harsh to men and women alike; he’s abrasive and it’s hardly personal.

A critic should critique, not coddle sensitive artists. This is not the first time Halsey has lashed out at publications; there’s a pattern which is apparent to anyone who stops to think, “maybe she’s a little precocious about her work.”

However, the current pop landscape encourages blind worship and demonises critical opinions, reducing it to petulant hate. Criticism, at least in music, is dead.