Olivia Rodrigo has hit back at criticism over a babydoll dress she wore during a performance in Spain, arguing that the backlash reflects a culture that normalises paedophilia. The singer faced online scrutiny after wearing a short, puffy floral dress while performing her single Drop Dead at Barcelona’s Teatre Grec on 8 May. A similar style appears on the cover of her upcoming album.
In an interview with the New York Times’ Popcast, Rodrigo said the criticism upset her deeply. She noted that she has worn revealing outfits on stage—such as a sparkly bra and shorts—without being deemed inappropriate, yet a fully covered-up dress perceived as childlike was criticised. 'I think it shows how we really normalise paedophilia in our culture,' she said, adding that it reflects a harmful message girls receive: 'Don’t wear that because then a man is going to sexualise your body and it’s your fault.'
Rodrigo pointed out that the babydoll dress is an iconic style worn by 1990s female punk stars like Kathleen Hanna and Courtney Love, whom she considers heroes. 'I didn’t think I looked sexy in that at all,' she said. 'I was like, “This is so cool.”' Courtney Love later posted Instagram stories in support of Rodrigo.
The singer is promoting her third album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, due for release on 12 June. She described the album as exploring lighter themes of joy and love, contrasting with her earlier ballads like Drivers License and Vampire. Last year, Rodrigo headlined Glastonbury Festival and called out the White House for using her music in anti-immigration videos, labelling it 'racist, hateful propaganda'.
