The Wiggles Denounce TikTok Video Featuring Song Alluding to Drug Use
A recently circulating TikTok video featuring beloved children’s group The Wiggles alongside a song referencing drug use has prompted a swift and firm response from the band. The video, soundtracked to musician Keli Holiday’s single “Ecstasy,” which alludes to the party drug MDMA, has been removed at the Wiggles’ request, highlighting the challenges of brand control in the age of social media.
The controversy centers around a clip filmed at the TikTok Awards earlier this month. In the now-deleted video, Anthony Field (the Blue Wiggle) and Dominic Field (known as the Wiggles’ Tree of Wisdom) are seen dancing to Holiday’s song.
“We understand that a video circulating on social media has caused concern for many parents and professionals, and we want to address that directly,” a spokesperson for The Wiggles told The West Australian. “The Wiggles do not support or condone the use of drugs in any form. The content being shared was not created or approved by us, and we have asked for it to be removed. While Keli Holiday (Adam Hyde) is a friend of The Wiggles, the video and the music added to it were created independently and without our knowledge.”
The group emphasized that their performances at the TikTok Awards were intended to be “family-friendly and fun,” and that the problematic video was “edited together separately and without our awareness.”
This incident isn’t the first time The Wiggles have faced public scrutiny regarding their association with potentially problematic content. In 2020, a 2014 clip of the group performing “The Pappadum Song” resurfaced, sparking accusations of cultural insensitivity.
Anthony Field addressed the earlier controversy on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “I wrote the song, and directed the clip in 2014 (which was meant as a celebration). It was not my intention to be culturally insensitive to the Indian community, or to add value to ethnic stereotyping,” and offered an apology. The song featured the repeated singing of the word “pappadum” alongside a silent Indian performer.
Founded in 1991, The Wiggles have become a global phenomenon in children’s entertainment, selling over 23 million DVDs and 7 million CDs throughout their career. The group’s enduring success relies heavily on maintaining a family-friendly image, making incidents like these particularly damaging.
The Independent has reached out to a representative for Keli Holiday for comment.
These recurring incidents underscore the increasing complexities faced by established entertainers navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of social media and the potential for unintended associations. The Wiggles’ proactive response demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding their brand and upholding their values in the digital age.
