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Olivia Rodrigo has addressed the online reaction to the babydoll-style dresses she has recently worn during performances and promotional appearances, saying the criticism has been "disturbing" and reflects wider cultural issues in the way women and girls are perceived.
The 23-year-old singer spoke about the controversy during an appearance on The New York Times' Popcast podcast, where a preview clip was released ahead of the full episode.
The discussion followed strong online reactions to a pink-and-white floral babydoll dress she wore during her Spotify Billions Club performance, as well as similar looks featured in her "Drop Dead" music video and live appearances.
Rodrigo said the response to the outfit left her unsettled, explaining that she found it confusing that a fully covered look was the one being heavily criticised. "That's been making me so upset. Not even for me. People can say whatever they want," she said.
She compared the reaction to other stage outfits she has worn in the past, including more revealing performance looks. "What's really disturbing is I have worn outfits that are maybe revealing on stage," she said, describing outfits such as "a sparkly bra and little shorts."
She added that those looks made her feel "cool and comfortable" and were not considered inappropriate by audiences.
Rodrigo said the contrast in reactions highlighted what she sees as a deeper issue in society. "That wasn't inappropriate, but me fully covered up in a dress that people deemed to be childlike was inappropriate," she said.
She went on to argue that the criticism reflects how young women are often taught to manage how others perceive their bodies from an early age. In her view, this mindset unfairly shifts responsibility onto women for how they are viewed or sexualised by others.
The singer also rejected the idea that the babydoll dresses were intended to be provocative. She said she did not see them as sexualised and instead felt comfortable in them, describing the look as inspired by artists she admires, including Kathleen Hanna and Courtney Love.
"I didn't think that I looked sexy in that at all," Rodrigo said. "I was like, this is so cool. I feel I look like Kathleen Hanna or Courtney Love, all these people who are my heroes, and I felt cool and comfortable in it."
Rodrigo added that she is protective of younger girls and does not want them to grow up believing they are responsible for how others interpret their clothing choices. She said that trying to dress in a way that avoids unwanted attention from others misses the real issue.
The comments come as Rodrigo prepares for the release of her third studio album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, due out on June 12.
