Charli XCX's latest album Music, Fashion, Film has sparked controversy not for its musical direction but for the singer's choice of collaborators. The British pop star, 33, released the single Camera with a film-style music video starring French actor Vincent Cassel, whom fans have criticized for his problematic past.
Vincent Cassel's controversial history
Cassel, known for roles in Black Swan and Ocean's Twelve, voiced support for Andrew Tate in a 2023 interview with The Guardian. Tate, who has since been arrested on assault and trafficking charges, was defended by Cassel, who said: 'There's so many things he says, especially when you see his background, that come across as really wrong. But in the middle of that, I think, he's saying stuff that is actually interesting because he wants to defend masculinity.'
Cassel added: 'It's almost shameful to be masculine these days. You have to be more feminine, more vulnerable. But listen, if men become too vulnerable and feminine, I think there's going to be a problem.' He also expressed hope he is 'not a misogynist,' citing that he 'surrounds himself with women.'
The actor has faced additional scrutiny for his personal life. He married model Tina Kunakey when he was 51 and she was 21, after reportedly dating for two years. They divorced after two years, and he soon began a relationship with model Narah Baptista, now 29, with whom he had his fourth child in 2023. Cassel also worked with convicted child rapist Roman Polanski in 2019, advocating for separating the art from the artist's personal life.
Fan reactions on social media
Charli XCX's fans have expressed disappointment and anger over the collaboration. On X, artist Solumeak wrote: 'Charli, I adore you and all, but Vincent is a very bad person…' Another user, Brandon, said: 'Crazy that you have someone who supports Andrew Tate in your video. So much for being a girls girl…' Tristan simply begged 'not him,' while Gabiii added: 'A misogynistic man? I would say I'm surprised, but I'm not.'
Some fans accused Charli of trying to be 'edgy' to a fault, while others suggested she may not have been aware of Cassel's past. On a since-deleted Reddit thread, user After-Circada pointed out: 'I mean lets not act like Charli's moral compass can't be questioned by some of the people she surrounds herself with.'
Broader context of Charli's associations
This is not the first time Charli's associations have drawn criticism. Her friendship with Dasha, an actress dropped by her team after appearing on a far-right podcast, has been a sore point. Additionally, many fans still feel that Matty Healy of The 1975—which includes Charli's husband George Daniel—has not adequately atoned for his controversial actions on tour.
Album reception mixed
Charli and Vincent have not addressed the backlash, and many fans remain unaware of the actor's controversies, focusing instead on the music video itself. The album Music, Fashion, Film, which Charli described as 'rock music,' has received polarized reviews. The Guardian gave it five stars, calling it a 'slippery search into selfhood that hits just as hard as Brat,' while The Telegraph branded it 'ugly, vacuous noise,' adding that her 'bid for artistic reinvention is smothered by grating production and empty, self-conscious songs.'
Metro's music expert Danni Scott awarded the album two stars, writing: 'It's chaotic, it's loud, and ultimately it's a little dull. Despite hints of clever wordplay or attempts to dig into her insecurities, the songs often dissolve into a repetitive monotony.' Metro has reached out to Charli and Vincent's teams for comment.
