Lauren Mayberry, frontwoman of Glasgow outfit CHVRCHES, unabashedly condemned Internet trolls in her recent interview with Channel 4 News. Mayberry's courageous response directly addressed the alarming comments and misogynistic response incited by her choice of wardrobe in the band's recently released music video for Every Open Eye's "Leave A Trace."
Mayberry called the onslaught of negativity about the dress that she wore in the video ludicrous," according to quotes cited by The AV Club. "I am a 27-year-old woman wearing a mini-dress with wet-look hair," Mayberry said. "If you don't like it, that's fine, but there is a difference between criticism and hatred."
The vocalist reiterated what many female performers have stated in the past, sexism and verbal abuse unfortunately goes hand in hand with being in the spotlight. "This happens to women all the time... it happens everywhere."
Mayberry also recounted a particularly violent comment addressed to her via Twitter: "If you can't learn to deal with this sort of sh*t, stick a gun in your mouth before the record even comes out. I have one and I'll give it to you." Despite the horrid words of trolls and online sexists, CHVRCHES' lead singer's stance against misogony is steadfast. For many fans, the synth pop star's battle against objectification is empowering in its own right, despite the daunting reality of gender bias present in the music industry.
Time will only tell if (and how) the trolls will respond.
Watch Mayberry's interview below:
CHVRCHES' UK Tour Dates:
11/16: Brighton, UK @ Brighton Dome Concert Hall
11/17: Bristol, UK @ O2 Academy
11/19: Manchester, UK @ Albert Hall
11/ 20: Manchester, UK @ Albert Hall
11/21: Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK @ 02 Academy Newcastle
11/23: Aberdeen, UK @ Music Hall
11/24: Dundee, UK @ Fat Sam's
11/25: Birmingham, UK @ O2 Academy Birmingham
11/27: London, UK @ Alexandra Palace
