Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Tyler, the Creator

Public opinion and media debates around Tyler, the Creator—discover key moments of controversy.

Tyler, the Creator, born Tyler Gregory Okonma, is an influential American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, fashion designer, director, and actor. He rose to prominence in the late 2000s as the leader and co-founder of the alternative hip-hop collective Odd Future. His contributions within the group included rapping, producing, directing, and acting, also producing studio albums for individual members. Tyler's creative endeavors extended to television with his involvement in the sketch comedy show Loiter Squad (2012–2014).

Sections (5)

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

2009: Bastard Album Cited for UK Ban

In 2009, Tyler's lyrics from the album Bastard were cited as the reason for his ban from visiting the United Kingdom, although he had toured multiple times in the UK since its release.

2010: Sexually explicit comments towards Selena Gomez

In 2010, Tyler, the Creator made sexually explicit comments directed towards Selena Gomez via Twitter.

December 22, 2011: Tyler Arrested for Vandalism

On December 22, 2011, Tyler was arrested on suspicion of vandalism for allegedly destroying equipment at The Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood, later paying $8,000 in damages.

2011: Sexually explicit comments towards Selena Gomez

In 2011, Tyler, the Creator continued to make sexually explicit comments directed towards Selena Gomez via Twitter.

2011: "Yonkers" Music Video Attracts Controversy

In 2011, the music video for Tyler's "Yonkers", featuring him eating a cockroach and committing suicide, sparked controversy. Kanye West posted the video on his Twitter account, calling it "the video of 2011".

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2013: Comments on relationship with Selena Gomez

In a 2013 interview, Tyler, the Creator stated that he and Selena Gomez were not on good terms, citing his friendship with Justin Bieber as a cause of friction.

March 15, 2014: Tyler Arrested for Inciting a Riot

On March 15, 2014, Tyler was arrested in Austin, Texas, for inciting a riot at his South by Southwest performance. The charges were later dropped.

2014: Tyler criticised Shady XV

In 2014, Tyler was critical of Eminem's Shady XV album. In 2018, Eminem responded with his single "Fall".

2018: Eminem's diss in "Fall"

In 2018, Eminem referred to Tyler, the Creator with a homophobic slur in his single "Fall" and accused him of exploring his sexuality for attention. This was in response to Tyler being critical of Eminem's single "Walk on Water".

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February 2019: Ban from UK Lifted

In February 2019, it is believed that Tyler's ban from visiting the United Kingdom was lifted, which concurred with a scheduled performance in London to promote Igor. However, the show was forcibly cancelled by police due to safety concerns.

June 2019: DJ Khaled's criticism after Igor's debut

In June 2019, after Tyler, the Creator's album Igor debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200, surpassing DJ Khaled's album Father of Asahd, DJ Khaled criticized Tyler's music in a video on Instagram, suggesting it was not widely played or enjoyed.

January 26, 2020: Tyler Wins Grammy for Best Rap Album

On January 26, 2020, Tyler won his first Grammy Award for Best Rap Album for his album Igor at the 62nd Grammy Awards. During his acceptance, Tyler expressed gratitude but also voiced his concerns about the categorization of his genre-bending music solely as "rap" or "urban."

2020: Tyler References Theresa May at Brit Awards

In 2020, after winning International Male Solo Artist at the Brit Awards, Tyler referenced his previous ban from the UK and thanked Theresa May sarcastically.

August 6, 2021: Comments on DJ Khaled controversy

On August 6, 2021, Tyler, the Creator discussed the DJ Khaled controversy on Hot 97, expressing enjoyment in "watching a man die inside because the weirdo is winning". He also claimed that DJ Khaled's identity was tied to being number one.

2021: Public apology to Selena Gomez in "Manifesto"

In 2021, Tyler, the Creator publicly apologized to Selena Gomez in his song "Manifesto" from the studio album Call Me If You Get Lost.

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2022: Grammy Award and Mysterious Music

In 2022, Tyler, the Creator won Best Rap Album at the Grammy Awards for Call Me If You Get Lost and referenced the DJ Khaled controversy with "mysterious music! HA!" on Twitter.

October 2025: Criticism of white fans and controversial tweets resurface

In October 2025, Tyler, the Creator made a tribute to D'Angelo and criticized his white fans for disrespecting the singer's death. Social media users criticized him for cultivating an anti-black white fanbase early in his career. Controversial tweets resurfaced, including comments on the Ferguson riots and affirmative action.