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 (Tyler Gregory Okonma), is a highly influential American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor who rose to prominence in the alternative hip-hop scene of the 2010s and 2020s. He is the leader and co-founder of the music collective Odd Future, where he contributed as a rapper, producer, director, and actor, producing albums for its members and starring in the sketch comedy show Loiter Squad.

Sections (5)

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

2009: Release of Bastard

Tyler's manager Christian Clancy stated lyrics from Tyler's 2009 album Bastard were the reason that Tyler was banned from the UK in August 26, 2015.

2010: Sexually Explicit Comments Directed Towards Selena Gomez

From 2010, Okonma made a series of sexually explicit comments directed towards Selena Gomez over Twitter.

December 22, 2011: Arrest for Vandalism at The Roxy

On December 22, 2011, Okonma was arrested on suspicion of vandalism for allegedly destroying equipment during a show at The Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood. He later paid $8,000 in damages.

2011: Sexually Explicit Comments Directed Towards Selena Gomez

From 2011, Okonma made a series of sexually explicit comments directed towards Selena Gomez over Twitter.

2011: Controversy Surrounding "Yonkers" Music Video

In 2011, Tyler released the music video for "Yonkers", which featured Tyler eating a cockroach and committing suicide at the end. Kanye West shared it on Twitter, calling it "the video of 2011", which attracted controversy.

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2013: Comments on Relationship with Selena Gomez

In a 2013 interview, Okonma stated that he and Selena Gomez were not on good terms, explaining that she didn't like him and he was friends with Justin Bieber.

March 15, 2014: Arrest for Inciting a Riot at SXSW

On March 15, 2014, Okonma was arrested in Austin, Texas, for inciting a riot after encouraging fans to push past security at his South by Southwest performance. The charges were later dropped.

August 26, 2015: Banned from Visiting the United Kingdom

On August 26, 2015, Okonma revealed that he had been banned from visiting the United Kingdom for three to five years, forcing him to cancel tour dates. The ban was reportedly due to lyrics from his 2009 album, "Bastard".

2018: Eminem's Diss and Tyler's Response

In 2018, Eminem's single "Fall" contained derogatory comments towards Tyler, the Creator, criticizing his sexuality and his critique of Eminem's previous work. Eminem later expressed regret for the "Fall" line, acknowledging it might have gone too far. Tyler, in an interview with The Guardian, stated that the line was "okay" and he was unfazed by the diss.

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February 2019: UK Ban Potentially Lifted

In February 2019, it was believed that the ban preventing Okonma from visiting the United Kingdom was lifted, which aligned with a scheduled performance in London to promote Igor. However, the show was forcibly cancelled by police.

June 2019: DJ Khaled's Criticism After Igor's Success

In June 2019, after Tyler, the Creator's album 'Igor' surpassed DJ Khaled's 'Father of Asahd' on the Billboard 200, DJ Khaled posted a video criticizing Tyler's music as "mysterious shit you never hear the songs". DJ Khaled then deleted the video.

January 26, 2020: Grammy Win for Igor

On January 26, 2020, Tyler, the Creator won his first Grammy Award for Best Rap Album for "Igor" at the 62nd Grammy Awards. He expressed gratitude but also voiced his frustration with the categorization of his genre-bending music as simply "rap" or "urban."

2020: Brit Awards Win and Reference to Theresa May

In 2020, after winning International Male Solo Artist at the Brit Awards, Okonma thanked Theresa May, referencing the ban that had previously prevented him from entering the UK.

August 6, 2021: Tyler, the Creator on the 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 suggested DJ Khaled's identity as number one was challenged by the situation.

2021: Public Apology in Manifesto

In 2021, Okonma made a public apology in his song "Manifesto" from his studio album "Call Me If You Get Lost" regarding past controversies.

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October 2025: Controversy over D'Angelo Tribute and Resurfaced Tweets

In October 2025, Tyler, the Creator, faced backlash after criticizing white fans for disrespecting singer D'Angelo's death on X. Social media users accused him of cultivating an anti-black white fanbase and self-hatred. Controversial tweets resurfaced, including comments about the Ferguson riots and affirmative action. Images of him in Ku Klux Klan robes and whiteface were also highlighted.