A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Azealia Banks.
Azealia Banks is an American rapper and singer from Harlem, New York City. She gained initial recognition through Myspace in 2008 and signed with XL Recordings at 18. Her career involved contracts with major labels like Interscope, Polydor, Parlophone and Warner Records, but she ultimately became an independent artist, founding her own label, Chaos & Glory Recordings. She quit her label in 2023.
September 25, 2012: "Esta Noche" Release Pulled
On September 25, 2012, Azealia Banks's scheduled release of her second single, "Esta Noche", from Fantasea, was pulled due to sampling disputes.
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2014: Controversies
In 2014, it was noted by Complex that Azealia Banks received more attention for her public feuds than for her music.
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2015: Homophobic Remarks During In-Flight Meltdown
In 2015, Azealia Banks used homophobic language during an in-flight meltdown, leading to accusations of homophobia.
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May 2016: Racist and Homophobic Rant
In May 2016, Azealia Banks posted what media outlets described as a racist and homophobic rant against Zayn Malik, resulting in professional repercussions.
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July 2016: Admission of Skin Lightening
In July 2016, Azealia Banks admitted to lightening her skin due to skin blemishes and defended the process of skin bleaching.
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October 2016: Police Report Against Russell Crowe
In October 2016, Azealia Banks filed a police report against Russell Crowe, claiming assault and use of racial slurs.
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October 2016: Retraction of Trump Endorsement
In October 2016, Azealia Banks retracted her endorsement of Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, citing concerns about women's rights.
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December 2016: Witchcraft Practice Revelation
In December 2016, Azealia Banks posted videos detailing her cleanup of a closet where she claimed to have been practicing witchcraft.
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January 2019: Xenophobic Remarks About Irish People
In January 2019, Azealia Banks posted xenophobic remarks about Irish people after performing in Ireland.
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2020: Accusations of Homophobia Regarding Gay Men
In 2020, Azealia Banks said gay men were "appropriating horse culture" by using harnesses, ketamine, and sexual lubricant, leading to accusations of homophobia.
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January 2021: Exhumation of Dead Cat
In January 2021, Azealia Banks received criticism after posting a video of her digging up and cooking her dead pet cat.
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2021: Views on Trans Women
In 2021, Azealia Banks said that trans women are "just gay boys on hormones using male aggression to force their ways into women's spaces."
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April 2022: Remarks on Ukraine and Russia
In April 2022, Azealia Banks posted an Instagram story repeatedly chastising Ukraine in the 2022 Russian invasion of the country and praised Russia's president Vladimir Putin.
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March 10, 2023: Release of "New Bottega"
On March 10, 2023, "New Bottega" was released by Sweat It Out, an Australian dance music label, as a collaboration between Torren Foot and Azealia Banks. However, Banks later stated she didn't authorize the release.
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November 2023: Accusations Against Diplo
In November 2023, Azealia Banks accused Diplo of sexual coercion during the time they worked together when she was 17 years old.
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2023: Views on Gender-Affirming Surgery Funding
In 2023, Azealia Banks argued that state funding for other healthcare issues should take precedence over funding for gender-affirming surgery, which she compared to cosmetic surgery.
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