Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Azealia Banks

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Azealia Banks.

Azealia Banks is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. Her debut single "212" achieved significant recognition, including being listed in Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time." Banks is also known for her controversial social media presence and outspoken views, which have garnered substantial media attention.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1975: Feud with Matty Healy

In 1975, Azealia Banks criticized the appearance of Charli XCX on Twitter. Matty Healy of The 1975 criticized Banks in response, accusing her of jealousy. Banks further criticized the looks of Healy and his fiancée, leading to threats from Healy, his apology, and a cease-and-desist letter from Banks' legal representative.

2003: Breach of Communications Act?

In 2003, a barrister suggested that Azealia Banks' comments about Irish people could breach the United Kingdom's Communications Act 2003, leading to potential legal action. Banks responded by accusing the barrister of racism.

September 2015: Video Surfaces Showing Use of Slur Against Delta Flight Attendant

In September 2015, a video surfaced showing Azealia Banks using the slur "faggot" against a Delta flight attendant. This sparked significant controversy and backlash.

2015: Expression of Support for Trump's Immigration Stance

In 2015, Azealia Banks expressed support for Donald Trump's hardline immigration stance, stating that the U.S. was "playing foster parent" for Mexico. This marked a notable political opinion from Banks.

April 2016: Controversial Tweet About Sarah Palin and Apology

In April 2016, Azealia Banks tweeted that Sarah Palin should be sexually assaulted due to a satirical article. Palin condemned the comments and threatened legal action. Banks then posted an apology on Tumblr, claiming she did not call for Palin's assault.

May 11, 2016: Racist Tweets About Zayn Malik

On May 11, 2016, Azealia Banks posted a series of racist Tweets about British singer Zayn Malik, claiming Malik had taken inspiration from her artistry and calling him "curry scented" in addition to homophobic and racial slurs.

July 2016: Admission of Skin Lightening

In July 2016, Azealia Banks admitted to lightening her skin due to blemishes caused by her birth control regimen and defended the process of skin bleaching. This sparked discussions about beauty standards and cultural perceptions.

October 2016: Apology to Malik

In October 2016, Azealia Banks apologized to Zayn Malik on Instagram for misconstruing his post and using derogatory language.

October 2016: Police Report Against Russell Crowe

In October 2016, Azealia Banks filed a police report against Russell Crowe, alleging he choked, spat at her, and used a racial slur during a party. Crowe claimed he removed Banks for threatening others. The Los Angeles District Attorney's office later dropped the case.

December 2016: Witchcraft Closet Cleanup

In December 2016, Azealia Banks posted videos on Instagram detailing the cleanup of a closet where she claimed to have practiced witchcraft for three years, showing dried blood, feathers, and dead chickens.

2016: Festival Performance Canceled

In 2016, Azealia Banks had her performance at a music festival canceled due to her remarks about Zayn Malik.

2016: Congratulation to Donald Trump on Election Result

In 2016, Azealia Banks publicly congratulated Donald Trump on the eventual election result. This followed earlier shifting opinions and endorsements regarding Trump's candidacy.

2016: Suspension from Twitter over Tweets to Zayn Malik

In 2016, Azealia Banks was briefly suspended from Twitter for "racially-charged" tweets toward Zayn Malik. This marked a notable instance of her facing consequences for her online behavior.

September 2018: Feud with Lana Del Rey

In September 2018, Azealia Banks engaged in a feud with Lana Del Rey after Del Rey criticized Kanye West for supporting Donald Trump. The pair exchanged insults, leading up to Banks threatening to sue Del Rey.

2018: Statements About Racism Experienced in Israel

After performing in Tel Aviv in 2018, Azealia Banks said she would never visit again due to the racism she experienced in the country. She described negative exchanges with Israeli vendors and passengers on El Al, as well as claiming to have experienced racial profiling at Ben Gurion Airport, vowing "never to return" to Israel.

2018: Collaboration with Grimes and Claims Against Elon Musk

In 2018, Azealia Banks and Grimes announced a music collaboration. Banks claimed Grimes left her alone with Elon Musk in Los Angeles for days, likening the experience to the movie Get Out. She also accused Musk of benefiting from apartheid via Twitter during her stay.

2018: Twitter Suspension Following Dispute with Monét X Change

In 2018, Azealia Banks faced another suspension from Twitter as a result of a dispute with Monét X Change. This reflected ongoing issues with her online conduct.

2019: Accusations Against SAS and Call to Bomb Sweden

In 2019, Azealia Banks accused SAS staff of profiling her on a flight leaving Stockholm via Instagram, deeming Swedish people racist and calling for Sweden to be bombed.

2019: Text Messages with Grimes Shared

In 2019, Azealia Banks posted screenshots of text messages between her and Grimes from over a year, revealing comments on Banks' weight, Banks' remarks about Grimes' appearance, and Banks claiming Grimes smelled "like a roll of nickels".

2019: Criticism of Aer Lingus and Irish Women

In early 2019, Azealia Banks criticized Aer Lingus on Instagram, claiming the airline banned her. She called Irish women "ugly", likened them to Oompa-Loompas, and declared herself the "queen of Ireland".

2020: Twitter Suspension Over Remarks About Transgender Healthcare

In 2020, Azealia Banks faced a suspension from Twitter due to remarks she made about transgender healthcare. This highlighted the consequences of her statements on sensitive social issues.

January 2021: Exhumation of Dead Pet Cat

In January 2021, Azealia Banks received criticism for posting a video on Instagram of her exhuming the remains of her dead pet cat, Lucifer, and collecting some of his bones. She stated she did not eat the cat and exhumed it for taxidermy.

2022: Cancellation of Brisbane Show and Boycott of Australia

In 2022, Azealia Banks canceled a show in Brisbane hours before performing due to a previous incident where a bottle was thrown at her. She announced she would not tour Australia again, citing racism as a factor making her "utterly miserable".

November 2023: Accusations Against Diplo

In November 2023, Azealia Banks accused American record producer Diplo of sexual coercion during the time they worked together when she was 17 years old, alleging pressure for sex in exchange for music and subsequent denial of tracks, she also accused him of sexual misconduct towards other women.

2023: Criticism of Transgender Medicine

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. This reflected her stance on resource allocation in healthcare.

2023: Criticism of "New Bottega" and Australian Music Industry

In 2023, after the release of "New Bottega" by Torren Foot featuring Azealia Banks, Banks criticized the released version on Instagram, comparing it to the original mix. She then criticized Australia's music industry, deeming the country "unimportant" and its culture "trash".

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July 2024: Attendance at Trump Rally

In July 2024, Azealia Banks attended a rally in support of Trump's 2024 presidential campaign in Florida, despite having previously offered her support for Ron DeSantis and his campaign. This marked a shift in her political affiliations.

2024: Criticism of Charli XCX and Feud with Matty Healy

In late 2024, Azealia Banks criticized the appearance of Charli XCX on Twitter. Matty Healy of The 1975 criticized Banks in response, accusing her of jealousy. Banks further criticized the looks of Healy and his fiancée, leading to threats from Healy, his apology, and a cease-and-desist letter from Banks' legal representative.

2024: Interaction with Grimes on Twitter

In late 2024, Azealia Banks replied to a post Grimes made on Twitter insinuating that Elon Musk had left her, which Grimes denied. Grimes complimented Banks and clarified that the metallic scent Banks complained of was caused by shell casings.

February 2025: Criticism of Grimes' Interview

In February 2025, Azealia Banks criticized Grimes' interview with Time, told her to return to Canada, and made comments about her appearance.

July 2025: Defense of Trump's Appearance in Epstein Files

In July 2025, Azealia Banks defended Trump's appearance in the Epstein files, claiming that "[having sex with] 14 year old girls was really only made a social taboo in the 1990s."

July 2025: Criticism for Mocking Ukrainian Prisoner of War

In July 2025, Azealia Banks faced criticism for mocking the emaciated appearance of a recently-released Ukrainian prisoner of war. This drew significant backlash and controversy.

July 2025: Nude Photos from Conor McGregor and Alleged Threat

In July 2025, Azealia Banks posted screenshots on Twitter of nude photos Conor McGregor allegedly sent her, including a threatening caption. She also alluded to McGregor's potential bid for the Irish presidency and indicated she no longer had access to the photos.

July 2025: Statement on Gay and Transgender Identities

In July 2025, Azealia Banks sparked criticism for stating that being gay or transgender is unnatural, claiming they stemmed from trauma responses. This statement drew significant backlash and controversy.

October 2025: Derogatory Comments About Bosnia and Herzegovina

In October 2025, Azealia Banks caused controversy by making derogatory comments about Bosnia and Herzegovina in an interview and on social media.

2025: Continued Criticism of Aer Lingus

In 2025, Azealia Banks again criticized Aer Lingus on Twitter, reiterating her comments on the appearances of the airline's staff, comparing them to characters from James and the Giant Peach and stating that the airline "needs help".

2025: Move to and Criticism of Stockholm

In 2025, Azealia Banks announced she was moving to Stockholm to collaborate with Swedish DJ Kornél Kovács. After moving, she criticized the city's social scene and nightlife over multiple tweets.

2025: Criticism of J.K. Rowling and Comments on Gender Identity

In 2025, Azealia Banks criticized J. K. Rowling for her "paranoid" views on trans women. When asked about her own past comments, she denied being transphobic and said that she had been reacting to "activist" rhetoric at the time; she also argued that "a female and a woman are two different concepts". She also mentioned her sibling is a trans man and noted the "pain" and "ostracism" that is caused by transphobia.

2025: Comments on J.K. Rowling and Transgender Topics

In 2025, Azealia Banks shared a post on Twitter suggesting J.K. Rowling's views on transgender topics stemmed from her husband leaving her for a transgender woman. Rowling responded by mentioning abuse from her first husband, which Banks claimed she hadn't seen due to blocking Rowling.

2025: Removal from Milkshake Festival Lineup

In 2025, Azealia Banks was removed from the Milkshake Festival lineup due to backlash over her opinions on the LGBTQ community. She then insulted Swedish singer Loreen and accused her of anti-Semitism after Loreen was added to the lineup.