SZA and Anthrax Rally Behind Yungblud After "Industry Plant" Accusations
Struggling to hold back tears on the Bludfest stage, Yungblud responded to accusations of being an "industry plant." Figures like SZA, Scott Ian, and Lauren Jauregui publicly voiced their support for the artist.
British punk-rock artist Yungblud had an emotional moment while closing out the third year of his own festival, Bludfest, in the Czech Republic. Addressing a crowd of 20,000, the singer, fighting back tears, said he felt "completely disconnected from everything," but that looking out at the sea of people in front of him reminded him he was "safe from the outside world" and that he belonged somewhere.
Following that moment, he posted a lengthy statement on social media responding to accusations that he is an "industry plant" — an artist manufactured and pushed to the top by the industry. Yungblud detailed the work he's put in since childhood, his journey from small venues to festival main stages, and the physical and emotional toll touring has taken on him.
A wave of support from across the music world followed immediately. SZA, Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian, Lauren Jauregui, and actress Alyssa Milano were among those who commented and reposted in support of the artist. Fans who shared in his emotional weight also pushed back against the accusations as unfair.
"I've been working for years to stand on this stage. Nothing came overnight, and nothing was easy," Yungblud said, and the outpouring of support from his peers reminded him he isn't alone.