Alternative singer-songwriter Ethel Cain revealed that her new album, Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You, marks the end of her journey with the "Ethel Cain" persona. The singer, real name Hayden Anhedönia, has performed under the Cain pseudonym since 2019. The announcement was made when Anhedönia appeared on The New York Times' music podcast, Popcast on Tuesday, July 29.
“I built Ethel Cain, based [on] 27 years of life. I have to go back out now and live and get more experience," she said. The decision to retire Ethel Cain comes just a few weeks after the indie singer found herself facing backlash over resurfaced social media posts.
Some of the resurfaced content includes screenshots from the Q&A site Curious Cat, where Anhedönia acknowledged using the n-word and responded to a post mocking Latinx individuals with the phrase “build that wall.” Other images show her wearing a shirt that read “legalize incest,” as well as making jokes that were fatphobic. Anhedönia, who is trans, also made dismissive comments about nonbinary people, claiming those who use “they” pronouns are just seeking attention.
When addressing her previous controversial remarks during the podcast, the "Punish" singer said, "I was young and angry, and lashing out at the world. I had no friends, no followers, no nothing. It was just me and a bunch of other edgelord teenagers yelling at each other on the internet."
"It is deeply shameful and embarrassing to see that dredged back up, especially when I have created a project that is so built on trauma and healing," she continued, referencing her Cain persona.
Fans on her subreddit have had mixed reactions to the resurfaced posts, with many defending Anhedönia, noting that the offensive comments came from her teenage years and highlighting her personal growth since then.
Following the controversy, Anhedönia recently released a lengthy apology statement on July 9. Her final album as Ethel Cain, Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You, will be released on August 8.