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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Music and Concerts devider Halsey reignites feud with music critic Anthony Fantano

Halsey reignites feud with music critic Anthony Fantano

Published Jul 11, 2026 05:01 pm

A two-year-old album review has turned into one of music's messiest online feuds.

The latest exchange began after YouTube music critic Anthony Fantano, better known as The Needle Drop, joked on social media that people seemed "more into the review than the album" when referring to his infamous critique of Halsey's 2024 album "The Great Impersonator."

Halsey didn't let the comment slide.

Quote-posting Fantano, she wrote, "I'm certain my least memorable song will be remembered more fondly and for more time than anything you ever do with your life will be."

She also accused the critic of embodying a misogynistic, "raised-by-4chan edgelord bully" culture.

The dispute traces back to Fantano's October 2024 review of "The Great Impersonator," an album inspired by Halsey's battle with cancer. He gave it a 1 out of 10, criticizing its songwriting and calling many of its musical tributes "bad Halloween costumes." His review has remained controversial among Halsey's fans ever since.

In response to Halsey's latest comments, Fantano released a 20-minute YouTube video defending his review. He insisted his criticism was aimed solely at the music, not Halsey's personal struggles, and rejected accusations of misogyny.

"You don't have to agree with me," Fantano said. "But I can't stand by and let people act like I'm Satan incarnate for not liking this album."

He also pointed to his history of supporting female artists, including defending Doechii against online harassment and backing Megan Thee Stallion during the Tory Lanez case.

Near the end of the video, however, Fantano escalated the feud by showing clips of Halsey kissing concertgoers whom he claimed appeared to be underage.

He also cited an old tweet in which Halsey joked, "I keep promising underage fans I'm going to make out with them I am so going to jail," along with a vlog from a fan who said Halsey was their first kiss when they were 17.

The segment quickly divided viewers. Halsey's supporters accused Fantano of escalating the controversy for attention, while others argued he was defending himself after being unfairly portrayed over his review.

What began as a sarcastic post has since grown into a wider debate over music criticism, celebrity accountability and how long a negative review can continue to fuel an online feud.

Related Tags

Halsey Anthony Fantano The Needle Drop The Great Impersonator music review YouTube social media feud
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