Singer Ethel Cain Sparks Controversy with ‘#KillMoreCEOs’ Post

Indie rock singer Ethel Cain, born Hayden Silas Anhedönia, sparked controversy on Friday with a series of Instagram Story posts advocating for violence against corporate leaders. The 26-year-old musician used the hashtag ‘#KillMoreCEOs’ in response to a post by former U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert Reich, which criticized the influence of money in politics.

Reich’s post highlighted how powerful entities like the NRA, Big Oil, and insurance companies ‘buy off Congress,’ leading to inaction on critical issues such as climate change, gun control, and healthcare. Cain echoed these sentiments, writing, ‘I genuinely mean what I say. Corporations giggle at protesting. Why would anyone ever willingly come down off their throne that they’ve spent years building off the suffering of their fellow man?’

In a follow-up post, Cain elaborated on her stance, stating, ‘Nobody is getting visited by the ghost of Christmas future, no one is having a change of heart. It’s simple, you make them fear for their lives and hit them in the only place they hurt or nothing will ever get done.’ She concluded by challenging the notion that ‘violence is never the answer,’ asserting, ‘Sometimes it is.’

Cain’s comments come weeks after Luigi Mangione, a man accused of killing a UnitedHealthcare CEO, was arrested. Mangione, who reportedly acted out of frustration with corporate America, has garnered mixed reactions online. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny noted that Mangione ‘has some ill will toward corporate America.’

Mangione pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder and weapons possession on Dec. 23. If convicted, he could face life in prison without parole. Cain has previously alluded to her views on corporate violence, posting ‘Violence begets violence’ around the time of Mangione’s arrest.

The singer-songwriter, who recently released her album ‘Perverts,’ has not shied away from provocative statements. Her latest posts have ignited debate online, with some praising her boldness and others condemning her call for violence.