TRIGGER WARNING: This post in relation to “Hated,” the new single from YUNGBLUD, includes graphic depictions of sexual assault from his first-hand account as a child.
YUNGBLUD’s introduction of his new single, “Hated,” has been surreal to experience. Prior to the official release of “Hated,” YUNGBLUD (aka Dom Harrison) issued a statement on his social media platforms on August 23 in which he recounts an incredibly sensitive and graphic depiction of sexual assault that he experienced as a child.
In the statement, he writes, “When I was seven years old, I was molested by a doctor. I never told anyone until I told my producer when this song started to come out. This is the most personal song I’ve ever released. That’s not to say it’s soft or gentle. Far from it. It’s a rallying cry and an exposition of the soul.”
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He continues, “The song is ultimately about freeing yourself from bad experiences and trauma. finding inner strength. acknowledging your past, accepting the pain, and having the courage not to let it define your future. You’ve got to kill somebody to be somebody to be who you want to be. You have got to hit rock bottom and live through all of the shit nobody believes. You’ve got to hurt some people, but first, some people will thirst on watching you bleed. And that’s when you know that you’ve made it. When you’re hated.”
While “Hated” marks YUNGBLUD‘s most candid and personal release to date, it masterfully delves into the depths of pain, trauma, and the journey toward self-empowerment. As the music unfurls, he bares his soul, sharing an intensely intimate account of being molested by a doctor at a young age and the long-held silence surrounding this trauma.
The chorus emerges as a defiant anthem, reflecting YUNGBLUD’s journey of reclaiming his power. “Hated”’s lyrics convey the idea of using one’s pain as a catalyst for growth, proclaiming that, “You’ve got to kill somebody/To be somebody/To be who you want to be.” This line encapsulates the idea that transformation often arises from the ashes of adversity, requiring the dismantling of the old to make space for the new.
YUNGBLUD recently wrapped the North American leg of his World Tour. This fall, YUNGBLUD’s World Tour will continue with special guests Bring Me The Horizon and his long-term partner, Jesse Jo Stark, joining him across the 8-show run. You can check out the dates below and snag tickets to see them live here.
Tour Dates:
- Oct. 29—Seoul @ Yes24 Live Hall
- Oct. 31—Kobe @ World Hall
- Nov. 1—Nagoya @ Gaishi Hall
- Nov. 3—Tokyo @ Makuhari Messe
- Nov. 6—Tokyo @ Toyusu Pit
- Nov. 8—Manila @ SM Skydome
- Nov. 10—Singapore @ Capitol Theatre
- Nov. 12—Bangkok @ Moonstar Studio
