Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Grimes

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Grimes.

Claire Elise Boucher, professionally known as Grimes, is a Canadian musician celebrated as a singer, songwriter, and record producer. She is known for experimental music blending various styles including electronic, pop, R&B, and hip hop. Grimes's lyrics often explore science fiction themes and feminist perspectives, and she is known for elaborate music videos with fantasy elements. She has released five studio albums.

Sections (4)

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

April 2013: Addressed Sexism in Music Industry

In April 2013, Grimes posted a statement addressing her experience as a female musician and the sexism she faced in the music industry.

2015: Frustration with Feminist Identification

In 2015, Grimes expressed frustration with being identified as a feminist musician, stating it "really genders [her]" in a way she doesn't identify with.

October 31, 2018: Featured on "Play Destroy" by Poppy

On October 31, 2018, Grimes was featured on 'Play Destroy' by Poppy on her album Am I a Girl? Shortly after the release of 'Play Destroy', Poppy accused Grimes of bullying during the making of 'Play Destroy'.

2018: Discomfort with the Word 'Woman'

In 2018, Grimes stated that she is "personally put off by the word 'woman' at least as far as my self id" on Twitter.

2018: Grimes accused of bullying

In 2018, singer Poppy stated she witnessed Grimes bullying songwriters into signing NDAs.

April 2023: AI Voice Usage Invitation

In April 2023, Grimes invited people to use her voice in AI generated songs, advocating for 'killing copyright'.

May 2023: Grimes "kinda like[s] the patriarchy"

In May 2023, Grimes stated she "kinda like[s] the patriarchy", viewing it as the driver of civilization while acknowledging its oppressive nature and the broken state of modern systems. Following criticism of her affiliations with far-right figures, she stated she was proud of white culture and wished to emphasize white accomplishments, attracting widespread media criticism.

September 2023: Reports of another son and lawsuit over parental rights

In September 2023, it was reported that Grimes and Elon Musk had another son. Later that month, Grimes sued Musk over parental rights in a California court, with Musk allegedly trying to keep the hearing closed.

2023: Allegations of NDA abuse and non-payment

In 2023, Titanic Sinclair, Poppy's former creative director, posted a screenshot alleging that Grimes bullied her ghostwriters into signing NDAs and never paying them.

April 2024: Coachella DJ Set Technical Issues

In April 2024, Grimes' DJ set at Coachella was cut short due to technical problems, leading to what some media outlets described as the "worst performance in the history of Coachella".

January 2025: Grimes attends party celebrating Donald Trump's second inauguration

In January 2025, Grimes attended a party in Washington, D.C., alongside Curtis Yarvin, celebrating the second inauguration of Donald Trump.

February 2025: Criticism of Musk and denouncement of Nazism

In February 2025, Grimes criticized Elon Musk for bringing their eldest son to public events, after he was photographed in the Oval Office. In early 2025, she also denounced Nazism and the "far alt-right" under pressure from her fans, after Musk was accused of performing a Nazi salute during Donald Trump's second inauguration.