"Why is she advertising cigarettes to her fans" — Netizens criticize Charli XCX for smoking during BRAT tour in Manchester

Pop sensation Charli XCX has found herself under fire after fans and netizens called out her for smoking during her BRAT Tour performance in Manchester.

On November 27, 2024, during her performance at Co-op Live Arena, Manchester, Charli XCX was seen holding a cigarette while singing on stage, dressed in an all-black outfit.

This act has ignited a heated debate on social media, particularly on X, where users have raised concerns about her influence as a global pop icon.

Many questioned the implications of her actions, with comments highlighting the potential impact of normalizing cigarette use for her audience —

"This is sort of sad why is she advertising cigarettes to her fans," one commented.

Moreover, numerous users on X expressed concern that Charli's actions could be perceived as promoting cigarette use to her predominantly young audience, which includes many minors. Others criticized the act for seemingly endorsing unhealthy habits, further fueling the ongoing debate —

"promoting smoking to audience full of minors..i stan her but this is not okay," a user on X commented.

"not her promoting unhealthy habits and delivering a lackluster performance while doing so," another netizen commented.

"promoting smoking cigs to her young audience? as a xcxanator im livid," a netizen wrote.

While some users on X expressed disapproval of the act, others took a more humorous approach, joking that Charli XCX had run out of other, more potent forms of smoke and resorted to cigarettes instead —

"I just know it stinks in there," a user commented.

"A brat without the b," one more on X.

"❄️ supply ran out," a third commented.

As of now, Charli XCX has not addressed the online comments.

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More about Charli XCX Brat Tour

Charli (Image via Jim Dyson/Redferns/Getty)

Charli XCX touched down in Manchester on Wednesday for the first night of her long-awaited BRAT Tour and delivered an electrifying performance at Co-op Live Arena, captivating fans with her signature energy and charisma.

According to The Manc, the tour follows a highly successful summer for the British artist, during which tracks from her sixth studio album, such as Apple, Guess, and 360.

As announced on her Instagram, Charli's next tour leg will kick off on April 22, 2025, in Austin, followed by performances in Minneapolis and Chicago. The tour will conclude with two highly anticipated shows at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on April 30 and May 1, 2025. Charli wrote on Instagram:

"BRAT 2025 ARENA TOUR LFG! sign up for presale access by monday at 10am et at [link] see you sooooonnnnn angels ;)."

On July 17, 2024, speaking with Billboard, Charli XCX talked about her BRAT tour and suggested that the project may have started with an air of exclusivity. It ultimately aimed to bring people together and create a sense of community and led to "inclusivity" —

"With Brat, it was really interesting to just do things for the fan base and make that feel exclusive — but then once you're in the club, it's actually very inclusive," Charli said.

Furthermore, the British artist elaborated on her tour, emphasizing that everyone should join the "club." She suggested that this could be achieved through various platforms, such as Instagram posts or Boiler Room sessions, offering fans multiple ways to connect and be part of the experience —

"Actually, everyone can join the club. It's just that everybody joins at slightly different times in slightly different ways," Charli added.

According to The Manc, Charli will perform on November 28, 2024, in London at The O2, November 29, 2024, in Birmingham at Resorts World Arena, and December 2, 2024, in Glasgow at OVO Hydro Arena.