JoJo Siwa's transition to a darker, edgier persona, self-described as "gay pop," has unwittingly turned her into the subject of widespread online mockery. This transformation is epitomized in her "Karma" music video, released on April 4, 2024, which has been widely regarded as one of the year's most startling visuals. 

The video showcases Siwa in an unusually aggressive performance, complete with a dance that mimics the enthusiastic, albeit awkward, humping motions. This choice of attire and choreography, involving a webbed jumpsuit paired with fishnets and leather, might remind one of a drag costume gone wrong.

Since the video's debut, the internet has exploded with recreations of Siwa's dance, turning it into a viral trend. Notable figures such as Billie Eilish have even been seen imitating Siwa's zombie-like moves, with Eilish's performance at a Coachella afterparty becoming particularly notable. Despite the apparent celebration of her work, there's a pervasive sense that these recreations are less homage and more parody. 

@itsjojosiwa #duet with @all things pop ⭐️ #billieeilish ♬ Karma - JoJo Siwa

Siwa, ever enthusiastic, responded to a video of Eilish with a "WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE," seemingly oblivious to the ironic undertones of the viral moments.

This misinterpretation of public sentiment is underscored by comments from the internet, suggesting Siwa might be somewhat delusional about the nature of her fame. Despite the widespread attention, Siwa’s interpretation of "Karma” is overshadowed by another version of the song by Brit Smith, which has seen a more favorable reception and higher streaming numbers despite being a track from 2012.

Listen to Smith’s version here:

JoJo Siwa's attempts at rebranding are not without controversy. Reports have surfaced suggesting that during her time on the show Siwa's Dance Pop Revolution, there were instances of emotional and physical mistreatment of young participants. These allegations contrast sharply with the supportive, LGBTQ+ icon image she cultivated following her coming out (Rolling Stone).

Our Fan Of View: Critics might question whether it's fair to criticize Siwa, a young entertainer who has previously been lauded for her bravery in personal matters. Yet, the tone of the online reactions suggests that while the criticism might be harsh, it is also somewhat warranted given her current public persona, which many view as inauthentic and a sharp departure from her previously wholesome image.

Siwa was also under heat from multiple artists in the industry when she stated in an interview with Billboard that she wanted to create a new genre of music, “gay pop,” which we all know she didn’t start, based on the heroes in queer music before her.

Watch the interview here: 

Several artists have popped out of the woodwork to stitch her viral interview on social media, including some of the original gay pop icons, Tegan & Sara.

Watch the hilarious TikTok here:

@teganandsara #stitch with @billboard ♬ original sound - Tegan and Sara

Fans of the duo took to the video's comments stating, “Jojo: Who are you? Tegan and Sara: We're the owner of this house 👑”

And even fans were siding with the JoJo haters, “I would simply die if I got called out by Tegan and Sara are you kidding me? 🤣”

As Siwa continues to navigate her transformed public image, comparisons to other artists who have explored queer themes in their music, such as Lady Gaga, Elton John, and Tegan & Sara come to mind. Whether Siwa can achieve a similar resonance with her audience remains to be seen. She seems to embrace her new role with lines like "I was a bad girl, I did some bad things" from her single, indicating a possible acceptance or even embrace of her new villainous persona in the pop culture landscape.

As the world watches and reacts, often with laughter, to Siwa's bold new direction, one must wonder about the impact of such a stark transformation on her career and personal life. Will she realize the nature of her fame, or will she continue to misinterpret the global response as adulation? Only time will tell, but for now, the public can't seem to look away from JoJo Siwa's audacious rebranding saga.

Leave your Fan Of View: what are your thoughts on the new JoJo?

Photo Credit: @jojosiwa on Instagram.