The Wiggles address Controversy Over TikTok Video Featuring Song lyrics Referencing “Ecstasy”
The Wiggles, the globally beloved children’s entertainment group, recently found themselves at the center of a social media controversy. A TikTok video featuring members of the group alongside Australian musician Keli Holiday sparked concern among parents who interpreted the lyrics of Holiday’s song, “Ecstasy,” as promoting drug use. Here’s a complete look at the situation, the group’s response, and what it means for their family-friendly brand.
The Viral Video and Immediate Backlash
The video, posted by keli Holiday shortly after a joint appearance with The wiggles at the 2025 TikTok Awards, quickly gained traction. it shows Blue Wiggle anthony Field and Dominic Field (playing “The Tree of Wisdom”) dancing to “Ecstasy.”
The song’s chorus contains the lyric, “Hey girl, come on dance with me. You and your pocket full of ecstasy.” This immediately raised red flags for many viewers, who questioned the appropriateness of the Wiggles’ involvement given the song’s suggestive lyrics. Concerns centered around the potential for normalizing or even glorifying drug use to a young audience.
The Wiggles’ Official Response
Responding to the widespread criticism, The Wiggles released a statement clarifying their position. They emphatically stated they do not support or condone drug use in any form. The group explained that the video was created without their explicit approval and that they had requested its removal from social media platforms.
Here’s a breakdown of the key points from their statement:
* No Approval: The Wiggles confirmed they did not create or authorize the video.
* Music Added Post-Production: The song “Ecstasy” was added to the video after the footage of the wiggles was originally filmed.
* Commitment to Family Values: The group reaffirmed their dedication to providing safe, positive, and educational content for children and families worldwide.
* Addressing Concerns: They acknowledged the concerns raised by parents and professionals and took them seriously.
“We deeply value the confidence families place in us,” a spokesperson for The Wiggles stated. “We remain committed to creating safe, positive, and educational experiences for children and families in Australia and around the world.”
Understanding the Context: Keli Holiday and Peking Duk
Keli Holiday is one half of the Australian electronic music duo Peking Duk. While “Ecstasy” may appear jarring when juxtaposed with The Wiggles’ brand, it’s important to note that Peking Duk is known for its upbeat, dance-oriented music – often aimed at an adult audience.
The collaboration stemmed from a recent performance together at the TikTok Awards, but the subsequent video and its editing were not part of a pre-approved campaign or partnership.
What This Means for The Wiggles’ Brand
For over three decades, The Wiggles have cultivated a reputation as a trusted source of wholesome entertainment for young children. Maintaining that trust is paramount. This incident highlights the challenges of navigating the evolving social media landscape and the importance of carefully vetting collaborations.
The swift and decisive response from The Wiggles demonstrates their commitment to protecting their brand image and reassuring parents. By clearly distancing themselves from the controversial content and reaffirming their values, they’ve taken steps to mitigate potential damage.
Looking Ahead: The “Tree of Wisdom Spectacular Tour”
Despite the recent controversy, The Wiggles are moving forward with their planned North American tour. The ”Tree of Wisdom Spectacular Tour” kicks off next summer, bringing their signature songs and energetic performances to cities across the continent.
Tour dates include:
* Orlando, FL
* Atlanta, GA
* New York, NY
* Boston, MA
You can find a complete list of tour dates and purchase tickets here.
This incident serves as a reminder that even established brands aren’t immune to unexpected challenges in the digital age. However, The Wiggles’ proactive response and unwavering commitment to their core values position them to continue entertaining and educating generations of children to come.
