RAYE subjected to 'nasty' trolling over similarities to late Amy Winehouse
RAYE says she has faced heavy trolling over comparisons to Amy Winehouse, calling the backlash “that same evil” that contributed to the late singer’s downfall.
RAYE has spoken candidly about the “nasty” and “evil” online trolling she has faced over comparisons to the late Amy Winehouse, revealing that the abuse has been so intense it directly inspired themes on her upcoming album.
The British singer-songwriter, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past year, said she felt compelled to confront the issue head-on in her new music, despite how emotionally difficult it was to revisit.
Addressing the backlash, the Where Is My Husband! hitmaker - who worked with Rehab hitmaker Winehouse's late collaborator Mark Ronson - explained that the comments often go far beyond simple comparison.
She told ELLE magazine: “What’s difficult for me is when people are so horrible, rude, nasty, and evil with their words, ‘You’ll never be her. You are an absolute failure. You disgust me trying to think that you could even be remotely like she was.’ And it’s like the funny thing to me about the way they’re speaking to me is, it’s that same evil.”
RAYE was quick to stress that she is not equating her own experiences with those endured by Winehouse, but believes the source of the hostility is disturbingly familiar.
She said: “I’m not saying I’ve experienced even a hundredth of what that girl was put through, but it comes from a similar place. Our beloved Amy would probably still be here today if she didn’t have to be subject to all this hate when she was alive.”
The award-winning singer admitted it felt “quite an intense thing” to address on her new record, but said it was something she felt strongly about exploring.
She added: "I felt in my heart that I really wanted to."
The revelations come after an extraordinary period of success for RAYE, which has included a historic sweep at the BRIT Awards and multiple new Grammy Awards nominations. Despite the accolades, she has acknowledged the pressure that comes with heightened public scrutiny, particularly given her early beginnings in the music industry.
RAYE also reflected on her personal journey, including overcoming struggles with substance abuse and learning to reframe how she speaks to herself.
She said: “Words are so powerful, and we speak things over ourselves and it becomes part of our identity.” She added that she now forbids herself from saying anything negative about herself, even internally. “You say, ‘I’m brave and I’m strong,’ and you are then making that your identity, instead of, ‘I’m a victim, I’m broken, and I’m never going to be okay again.’ We are not going to let other people decide our futures.”
Ultimately, RAYE said music has become a form of healing.
She admitted: “Music is medicine. I’ve always said that. I’m in the process of making medicine for myself that I can share with the world.” Describing her new album, she added that she hopes it feels like “a hug or a soft place” for anyone who needs comfort, reassurance and hope.
RAYE covers the February 2026 issue of ELLE, her first major US magazine cover story, on newsstands February 3.
