Charli XCX inadvertently swore twice during an appearance on the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show on Friday, later apologizing to host Greg James for the on-air blunder. The incident occurred while the 33-year-old singer was promoting her single "Wink, Wink."
During a segment of the game "Wrong Uns," where guests are prompted to give logically incorrect answers, James asked the singer for a compliment. XCX responded, "Uhh… you are lovely," but quickly realized it missed the game's objective. When James pointed out the incorrect answer, XCX exclaimed, "Oh st! Fk."
James attempted to diffuse the situation by humorously noting that within the game's context, a swear word was not considered a swear word. An embarrassed XCX repeatedly apologized, stating, "I'm so sorry, I apologise, I apologise. Oh my god. I'm so sorry, it's the one thing you said, 'Don't do' and I did it."
James reassured listeners and the singer, joking that those offended were listening to the "wrong radio station" and that it was acceptable adult language. XCX, flustered, then asked to move on.
Later on Friday, XCX released the music video for "Wink Wink," her third single from her forthcoming seventh album, "Music, Fashion, Film." The video features provocative imagery, including scenes of the singer in suggestive poses and situations. The album is scheduled for release on July 24.
This release follows a period of significant success for XCX, particularly with her album "Brat." However, the singer has recently spoken about her struggles with mental health, describing a period where she was "in the worst place mentally" she had ever been. She has attributed this to the pressures of touring and performing, leading her to reduce her social media presence and limit press interviews to protect her well-being. XCX has also mentioned that a "complicated relationship" with being onstage contributes to her anxiety.
In addition to her music career, XCX is expanding into acting. She recently appeared in the indie film "Erupcja" and promoted three films, including the mockumentary "The Moment," at the Sundance Film Festival in January. Upcoming acting roles include a part in Dakota Johnson's directorial debut, "A Tree Is Blue," and a remake of the 1978 film "Faces of Death."