Grammy-winning pop sensation Kim Petras has made a dramatic public plea to be released from her contract with Republic Records, citing significant frustrations with the label's management of her career and artistic direction.
Public Outburst on Social Media
The 33-year-old German-born singer, who achieved global fame through her Grammy-winning collaboration with Sam Smith on Unholy, took to social media platform X on Tuesday to reveal she has formally requested termination of her recording contract. In a series of candid posts, Petras expressed deep dissatisfaction with how Republic Records has handled her musical output and professional development.
Specific Grievances Against the Label
Petras outlined several specific complaints against the label, stating that her completed album Detour has been ready for release for six months without receiving a launch date from Republic Records. She further alleged that collaborators who worked on the project have not yet received payment for their contributions, creating financial and professional difficulties for those involved.
The transgender artist wrote emphatically: "I'm tired of having no control over my own life or career. I want to continue to self-fund and self-curate my own music. This is why I have formally requested to be dropped by Republic Records."
Broader Industry Criticism
Beyond her personal situation, Petras launched a broader critique of contemporary music industry practices, accusing labels of prioritising fleeting TikTok trends and what she described as "80s revival queerbaiting" over genuine artistic talent and development. Her comments reflect growing tensions between established artists and record companies adapting to rapidly changing digital landscapes.
Independent Artistic Endeavours
Demonstrating her commitment to artistic independence, Petras revealed she has already self-funded a music video for her next single, describing it as "the best MV I've ever done" with extensive production elements including nine different looks, six setups, and thirteen pairs of shoes. Despite this investment, she claims Republic Records has similarly refused to provide a release date for this visual project.
The singer reassured her fanbase directly, writing: "My fans have waited long enough. I love you guys. I'm dropping Detour regardless." This statement suggests her determination to release new music independently if necessary, potentially through self-funding mechanisms.
Career Context and Historical Significance
Petras signed with Republic Records in 2021, beginning their partnership with her single Future Starts Now. Her career breakthrough came with the 2022 collaboration Unholy alongside Sam Smith, which earned them a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance in February 2023. This achievement made Petras the first transgender woman ever to win in this major Grammy category.
Her second studio album, Problématique, was released in 2023 following her debut single I Don't Want It At All in 2017. The reported third studio album Detour now sits at the centre of her dispute with Republic Records.
Recent Challenges and Public Scrutiny
The contract dispute emerges alongside other recent challenges in Petras's career and personal life. Last November, she revealed she had injured her vocal cords during her 2023-2024 Feed the Beast tour, requiring two weeks of complete vocal rest and narrowly avoiding surgical intervention.
Additionally, the singer has faced considerable public speculation regarding her dramatic physical transformation over the past year, with social media commentary and medical experts suggesting possible use of weight-loss medications like Ozempic, though Petras has not confirmed any such usage.
Trailblazing Background
Petras's journey to stardom has been groundbreaking from its earliest stages. Born in Cologne, she first entered public consciousness at age 13 through German television appearances discussing her gender transition. By 16, she became the youngest person ever to undergo gender reassignment surgery, earning her the early designation as "the world's youngest transsexual" in media coverage.
Her transition began with hormone replacement therapy at age 12, following years of self-identification as female from just two years old. These early experiences established Petras as a pioneering figure in transgender visibility long before her musical achievements.
Daily Mail has contacted both Republic Records and Kim Petras for official comment regarding the contract termination request and allegations made in her social media posts. The outcome of this dispute could significantly impact both Petras's career trajectory and broader conversations about artist-label relationships in the modern music industry.
