Doja Cat on Virtue Signaling
Want to grab the spotlight without being perceived negatively? “Jealous Type” artist Doja Cat shares a long-time favorite trick among celebrities for navigating scandals—no prior knowledge of the subject needed.
Welcome to the intriguing world of virtue signaling.
Recently, Doja Cat, whose real name is Amara Ratna Zandile Dlamini, commented on remarks made by actor Timothée Chalamet during an appearance on CNN and Variety’s Town Hall, where he expressed regret over the decline of opera and ballet.
“I want to avoid activities like ballet or opera that push the idea of needing to ‘keep this alive!'” Chalamet said while talking with co-host Matthew McConaughey.
Pushback from Doja
This sparked criticism from several figures in the entertainment industry, including Doja Cat. She responded with a TikTok video where she mocked Chalamet, labeling his comments about opera and ballet as “trash” while lauding the sophistication of those art forms.
“It’s all about showing up in your finest attire, getting folks to sit quietly, and absorbing the experience,” she noted. “There’s a certain etiquette that comes with it. Maybe he could learn something from that.”
Reflecting on Her Comments
However, just a day later, her tone shifted.
“I don’t know much about opera or ballet,” she admitted in a follow-up video. “Honestly, I’ve never attended either. I was just trying to give that guy a run for his money yesterday, because there’s a cultural pressure that thrives on drama and outrage. People seek connections—good or bad,” she acknowledged.
Doja took it a notch further, hinting that Chalamet was likely seeking views rather than making a genuine statement.
Moments of Honesty
This candid admission is somewhat rare in a society that often swaps genuine dialogue for simply grabbing attention.
“What I did yesterday was definitely virtue signaling. I was looking for a connection,” she reflected. “I realized Timothy’s behavior could work in my favor to connect with my audience and engage them. It’s a straightforward way to attract likes and reactions from people. I acted on impulse without really considering my motives.”
Yearning for Connection
She went on to share a personal insight about her motivations and vulnerability.
“I think, in hindsight, I just wanted a hug,” she confessed. “I was craving that feeling of being part of something bigger. You know, seeing all the supportive comments made me think I could be a hero. But once I got that attention, it didn’t feel as satisfying as I expected.”
With just five albums released, Doja Cat has achieved impressive success, earning multiple platinum certifications between 2019 and 2023, not to mention recognition in Switzerland, Sweden, and the UK.
