Demi Lovato Gets Death Threats After Performing Anti-Trump Song “Commander-In-Chief” On Billboard Awards

Demi Lovato played a new political anthem, “Commander-In-Chief,” at the Billboard Music Awards aired Wednesday night.

The anti-Donald Trump song was almost as polarizing as the president himself, and though the song charted at #1 on US iTunes, Lovato received messages from listeners disavowing her and wishing her death.

Here’s my thoughts on Demi Lovato’s absurd new song “Commander in Chief.”

Just remember, when your art needs a gimmick, you are no longer the artist.

Please RT! pic.twitter.com/h2Zj2KiP8m

— Alexandra Lains (@realalexlains) October 15, 2020

https://twitter.com/JenZizzy123/status/1316264740428054528?s=20

https://twitter.com/madmeleemc/status/1316279749430345728?s=20

Nonetheless, the popular song received international acclaim, and many fans thanked her for using her voice.

So impressed with the grace and bravery you’ve shown releasing such a poignant song for these challenging times @ddlovato ! This is what artistry is all about. Sharing our beliefs with the world even if they aren’t met with acceptance 🇺🇸 #VoteBidenHarris2020

— Aly & AJ (@alyandaj) October 15, 2020

Thank you for always using your platform and your music far beyond just numbers but to impact people's lives and give a voice to those who don't have it. We love you infinitely. 🖤

— Demi Lovato Brasil (@demilovatobr) October 14, 2020

https://twitter.com/daiserochaa/status/1316412139373047809?s=20

Because the song was already so political, to avoid additional controversy NBC removed the word “VOTE” Lovato displayed during her performance, but later seemed to backtrack by posting a photo to Twitter with the word clearly displayed.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CGYctR7BPs7/

Videos of the performance from NBC’s airing show a black background, but several photos feature the bright white message that was intended to display.

SHOULD BE LIKE THAT RIGHT @nbc?! pic.twitter.com/k2lxIaMlHU

— rapha (@phaelmotta) October 15, 2020

On Instagram, Lovato addressed the hate through a post to her story.

Demi Lovato addresses critics who say she should keep silent on politics:

“I literally don’t care if this ruins my career. This isn’t about that. I made a piece of art that stands for something I believe in. And I’m putting it out even at the risk of losing fans.” pic.twitter.com/gOsvahOj1O

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) October 14, 2020

“I literally don’t care if this ruins my career,” Lovato wrote. “This isn’t about that. My career isn’t about that. I made a piece of art that stands for something I believe in. And I’m putting it out even at the risk of losing fans. I’ll take integrity in my work over sales any day.”

Lovato pointed out to fans angry about her strong political stance that she, too, is an American citizen, and has the right to voice her political opinions.

“As much as I would like to be sad that I disappointed you, I’m too busy being bummed that you expect me, a queen Hispanic woman, to silence my views/beliefs,” she said.