Full Breakdown
Romania's Eurovision Entry Faces Backlash Over Controversial Lyrics
3/14/2026, 5:59:30 PM
Controversial Lyrics Spark Outrage
Romania's entry for the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, titled "Choke Me," performed by Alexandra Capitanescu, has drawn significant criticism for allegedly glamorizing sexual strangulation. The nu metal-inspired song features the phrase "choke me" repeated 30 times within its three-minute duration, alongside lyrics such as "I want you to choke me" and "make my lungs explode." Critics, including Clare McGlynn, a professor of law at Durham University, have described the song as "dangerous" and "reckless," arguing that it normalizes a practice that poses serious health risks to young women, including brain damage and even death.
Expert Opinions on the Risks
Clare McGlynn emphasized the alarming implications of the song's lyrics, stating, "The song – and its choice by Romania/Eurovision, and promotion by those organisations – represents a reckless normalization of a dangerous practice." She highlighted emerging medical evidence indicating that frequent sexual strangulation can lead to severe health consequences. McGlynn also noted that many young women may feel pressured to engage in such practices due to societal normalization, despite their personal reservations.
Defense of the Song's Message
In contrast to the criticism, Capitanescu has defended her song, asserting that "choke me" serves as a metaphor for the emotional struggles and pressures faced by young artists. The Romanian TV broadcaster's YouTube description states that the song captures the tension between fragility and strength, inviting listeners into a sincere emotional experience.
Calls for Action and Historical Context
There have been online calls for the disqualification of "Choke Me" or for its lyrics to be altered. Notably, the BBC has not lodged a complaint regarding the song. This situation echoes a precedent set last year when Malta's entry was forced to change its title due to complaints about its similarity to a British swear word. The controversy surrounding "Choke Me" is compounded by broader discussions about the normalization of violence in mainstream pornography and the implications for consent in sexual encounters.
Broader Implications and Upcoming Events
The backlash against Romania's Eurovision entry occurs within a larger context of international boycotts related to Israel's participation in the contest. Countries such as Ireland and Spain have expressed their disapproval, citing humanitarian concerns regarding the situation in Gaza. As Eurovision 2026 approaches, the debate over "Choke Me" continues to unfold, highlighting the intersection of music, societal values, and health risks.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The song – and its choice by Romania/Eurovision, and promotion by those organisations – represents a reckless normalisation of a dangerous practice,” — Clare McGlynn, Professor of Law at Durham University
- “It’s playing fast and loose with young women’s lives.” — Clare McGlynn, Professor of Law at Durham University
- “ However, a caption on the Romanian TV broadcaster's YouTube channel offers a different perspective on the message of the song, stating, "Choke Me speaks about the emotional pressure, doubts and turmoil that many young artists go through when trying to find their own voice and place in the world.” — Romanian TV Broadcaster's YouTube Description
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While many critics focus on the potential dangers of the song's message, Capitanescu's defense presents an alternative interpretation that emphasizes emotional expression. The lack of a formal complaint from the BBC raises questions about the criteria for intervention in such cases.
