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, and record producer prominent in alternative hip-hop. He gained recognition in the late 2000s as the leader and co-founder of the music collective Odd Future, contributing as a rapper, producer, director, and actor. He also produced studio albums for Odd Future's members and appeared on the group's sketch comedy show, Loiter Squad.

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

2009: Lyrics from Bastard cited for UK ban

In 2009, Lyrics from the album Bastard were cited as the reason for the ban, from visiting the UK, although Okonma had toured multiple times in the UK since its release.

2010: Sexually explicit comments towards Selena Gomez

From 2010 to 2011, he 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 after allegedly destroying equipment during a show at The Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood. He later paid $8,000 in damages.

2011: Sexually explicit comments towards Selena Gomez

From 2010 to 2011, he made a series of sexually explicit comments directed towards Selena Gomez over Twitter.

2011: Kanye West shares Yonkers video

In 2011, the music video for "Yonkers", which featured Tyler eating a cockroach and committing suicide, attracted controversy in the media, as well as being posted by Kanye West on his Twitter account, calling it "the video of 2011".

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2013: Comments about Selena Gomez relationship

In a 2013 interview, he stated that he and Selena were not on good terms, explaining, "We don't really get along. She don't like me. We don't like each other. Because I'm kicking it with Justin — like that's my homeboy. She always be mean muggin' me. Like why are you hating on me?"

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 telling fans to push past security guards at his South by Southwest performance. The charges were later dropped.

2014: Eminem's Criticism of Tyler, the Creator

In 2014, Eminem criticized Tyler, the Creator for his opinion on Eminem's single "Walk On Water" and album Shady XV.

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2018: Eminem's "Fall" Controversy

In 2018, Eminem's single "Fall" contained derogatory language towards Tyler, the Creator, criticizing his music and sexuality. Eminem later expressed regret for the lyrics, acknowledging their potential harm. Tyler, the Creator, in an interview with The Guardian, stated that the line "was okay" and that he didn't take offense from it.

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June 2019: DJ Khaled's Criticism of Igor

In June 2019, after Tyler, the Creator's album Igor reached number 1 on the Billboard 200, surpassing DJ Khaled's album Father of Asahd, DJ Khaled criticized Tyler's music in an Instagram video. He criticized the album's style and mysteriousness. DJ Khaled later deleted the video.

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

On January 26, 2020, Tyler won his first-ever Grammy at the 62nd Grammy Awards, winning Best Rap Album for Igor. Tyler voiced concerns about being pigeonholed into the rap category.

2020: Tyler references Theresa May at Brit Awards

After winning International Male Solo Artist at the 2020 Brit Awards, Okonma referenced the ban. "I wanna give a special shout out to someone who I hold dear to my heart, who made it where I couldn't come to this country five years ago," he said. "I know she's at home pissed off. Thank you Theresa May."

August 6, 2021: Tyler, the Creator Addresses DJ Khaled Controversy

On August 6, 2021, Tyler, the Creator discussed the DJ Khaled controversy on Hot 97. He stated that he enjoyed watching DJ Khaled's reaction to his success, emphasizing the impact on DJ Khaled's identity as "number one".

2021: Public apology in Manifesto

In 2021, he made a public apology in his song "Manifesto" in his studio album Call Me If You Get Lost. Tyler Aquilina of Entertainment Weekly wrote of the controversy, "Tyler was known as a provocateur at that point in his career, and was frequently criticized for what many observers called homophobic and misogynistic lyrics, including depictions of violence against women".

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