Doja Cat, the Grammy-winning artist, has directly addressed public speculation about her having “demonic” tendencies and revealed past struggles with cocaine addiction. In a series of TikTok videos posted on Monday, the 30-year-old musician shared her perspective with her over 29 million followers, explaining her decision to speak out despite feeling apprehensive.
Confronting ‘Demonic’ Accusations
The “Say So” singer stated that she felt a “fear” about discussing these topics but believed it was important for her healing journey to confront things that scared her. “A lot of people on the Internet believe that I’m demonic – that I have demons – that I have evil in me,” she acknowledged. Doja Cat, whose birth name is Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, suggested that if there was any positive aspect to these accusations, it was the opportunity to educate others about the nature of demons and evil.
She drew a connection between the concept of “demons” and various forms of addiction, including substances, social media, and untreated mental health conditions. “The best example, from my experience, is using the Internet as a means of validation to the negative thoughts in my head, which were then brought on by drinking alcohol,” she explained. While she noted she “never had a real problem with drugs, except for weed,” she admitted to having issues with alcohol, clarifying, “I was never an alcoholic, but I definitely had problems.”
Past Struggles with Cocaine Addiction
In a subsequent TikTok clip, Doja Cat delved deeper into her past battles with addiction, specifically mentioning cocaine. “I have struggled with cocaine,” she revealed. “I think could have been like eight years ago, but I’m well past that, so… thank God.” This admission sheds light on a challenging period in her life that she has now moved beyond.
The Role of Mental Health and Social Media
The artist emphasized that a significant issue, often overlooked or misunderstood, is the combination of “undiagnosed” or “uncared for” mental illness with social media usage. She believes it’s crucial to consider mental health when interpreting negative online commentary. “If people are commenting stuff that makes you hate yourself or… validates the stuff that you already hate about yourself, just know that first of all, you probably need help – second of all, they probably need help,” she advised.
Doja Cat also discussed her approach to dealing with online negativity. She stated that she tries not to retaliate with toxic energy towards online trolls, recognizing that their behavior often stems from their own struggles. “Once you understand that that person is doing it out of their own personal – dare I say demons – it becomes more sad than it becomes angering and irritating,” she commented. She suggested that negative remarks are frequently a form of projection, as “the Internet is a breeding ground for f***ing projecting” and a common space for individuals to “project.”
Advice for Online Interaction
Before posting comments online, Doja Cat urged users to pause and reflect. “Think about what you’re saying; think about if it’s a projection,” she recommended. She stressed the importance of clarity in communication, noting that “not everything is the truth; not everything is so cut and dry.”
The musician encouraged her audience to remain creative, prioritize self-care, and remember their own resilience. “Remember you’re ‘not indestructible,'” she cautioned, advising against the harmful combination of substance use and seeking external validation, particularly through social media. Her candid discussion aims to offer insight into personal struggles and promote a more mindful approach to online interactions and self-perception.
