The beloved children's entertainment group, The Wiggles, has been forced to issue a firm statement distancing itself from any suggestion of endorsing drug use. This follows a controversy surrounding a now-deleted TikTok video featuring two of its members set to a song called 'Ecstasy'.
The Controversial Video and Swift Backlash
The incident stemmed from a video posted by Australian singer Keli Holiday, whose real name is Adam Hyde from the electronic duo Peking Duk. The clip featured Holiday's track 'Ecstasy', which includes lyrics referencing the drug MDMA. Dancing behind the singer were Anthony Field, the iconic 'Blue Wiggle', and his nephew, Dominic Field, known online as the 'Tree of Wisdom'.
The footage was reportedly recorded during last week's TikTok Awards in Sydney, where The Wiggles had performed with Holiday. However, the subsequent editing of the video to feature the explicit song was done independently. The video quickly drew criticism online and from child development experts, who labelled the association a serious error in judgment for a group synonymous with family-friendly content.
The Wiggles' Official Stance and Clarification
In response to the growing concern, a spokesperson for The Wiggles released a clear statement over the weekend. The group "does not support or condone the use of drugs in any form". They emphasised that the contentious video was created without their knowledge or consent, and they had requested its removal.
The spokesperson explained that while Keli Holiday is a friend of the group, the specific video and the music added to it were produced independently. They stressed that The Wiggles' own performance at the awards ceremony was entirely family-oriented, and the separate editing of the footage was done without their awareness.
Fallout and Lasting Impact
The singer, Keli Holiday, has since deleted the video from the TikTok platform. Nonetheless, the episode has highlighted the delicate balance public figures, especially those associated with children's entertainment, must maintain in the digital age. The Wiggles' swift and unambiguous response aims to reassure parents and professionals of their commitment to their core values, despite the unauthorised use of their image in an inappropriate context.
This event serves as a reminder of how quickly content can be repurposed online, potentially creating unintended and damaging associations for brands and individuals built on trust and wholesome reputations.
