Challenges Faced by Doja Cat: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Doja Cat's life and career.

Doja Cat, born Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. Raised in Los Angeles, she started her music career as a teenager, releasing tracks on SoundCloud. Her song "So High" gained traction, leading to a recording contract with Kemosabe and RCA Records before she released her debut EP, Purrr! in 2014.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2015: Song titled "Dindu Nuffin"

In 2015, Doja Cat released a song titled "Dindu Nuffin".

2015: Use of homophobic slur

In a tweet from 2015, Doja Cat used a homophobic slur to describe hip-hop artists Tyler, the Creator and Earl Sweatshirt.

2017: Previous restraining order

In 2017, Doja Cat's mother, Deborah Sawyer, was previously granted a restraining order against her son, Raman Dalithando Dlamini.

March 30, 2018: Release of Amala

On March 30, 2018, Doja Cat released her debut studio album, Amala, which received little critical attention and failed to chart initially.

2018: Social media controversy

In 2018, Doja Cat faced controversy when her Twitter history revealed usage of a homophobic slur. She initially defended her remarks but later apologized. As a result, she was declared the Milkshake Duck of 2018 by NME.

March 2020: COVID-19 comments backlash

In March 2020, Doja Cat received backlash after saying on Instagram Live that COVID-19 was "only a flu" and that she was not scared of it.

March 2020: Postponement of Hot Pink Tour

In March 2020, Doja Cat's Hot Pink Tour was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

May 2020: "Dindu Nuffin" controversy

In May 2020, a 2015 song by Doja Cat titled "Dindu Nuffin" resurfaced, sparking controversy due to the term's alt-right connotations. Doja Cat apologized and stated that it was a "bad decision".

2020: "Say So" performance controversy

Doja Cat's 2020 performance of "Say So" at the MTV Europe Music Awards was criticized due to similarities between the guitar solo and Plini's 2016 song "Handmade Cities".

November 2021: Expressed Disdain Towards Her Stage Name

In November 2021, Doja Cat expressed slight disdain towards her stage name and persona.

March 2022: Expressed Career Burnout

In March 2022, Doja Cat expressed career burnout and frustration during a South American festival tour.

March 2022: Threat to quit music

In March 2022, Doja Cat threatened to quit music due to backlash from an incident in Paraguay, where fans accused her of being rude and apathetic after a festival cancellation. She later expressed appreciation towards her fans.

May 2022: Nicotine addiction and tonsil issues

In May 2022, Doja Cat opened up about her nicotine addiction on Twitter, and revealed that she required lancing of an infected tonsil caused by vaping and intended to pursue a tonsillectomy, consequently canceling her summer festival run and her opening act slot for the Weeknd's After Hours til Dawn Tour.

July 2023: Backlash for Threads comments

In July 2023, Doja Cat faced backlash for Threads comments suggesting she doesn't appreciate her fans, resulting in a loss of over 250,000 Instagram followers.

October 6, 2023: Sam Hyde t-shirt controversy

On October 6, 2023, Doja Cat posted a selfie wearing a t-shirt featuring alt-right comedian Sam Hyde on Instagram, which garnered widespread online backlash. She later deleted the photo and reposted a different selfie with Hyde's image edited out.

January 2024: Mother files restraining order

In January 2024, Doja Cat's mother, Deborah Sawyer, filed for a temporary restraining order against Doja Cat's older brother, Raman Dalithando Dlamini, due to alleged physical and verbal abuse towards both Doja Cat and their mother.