Beata Ernman, the 20-year-old sister of climate activist Greta Thunberg, recently discussed her burgeoning music career, her sexuality, and her views on Donald Trump in an interview with Interview magazine. Ernman, who performs under the stage name Bea MonaLisa, declined to comment on her famous sister.
When asked about Greta, Ernman responded, "I’m not responsible for other people's lives," before the interviewer changed the subject. Ernman, who identifies as a "singer, dancer, actress and model," is preparing to release her first album.
She described the upcoming album as "pro-queer, anti-macho." While she stated she is not queer, Ernman noted that her fanbase is. She shared that an invitation to perform at a queer event hosted by "Drag Race Sweden" host Robert Fux was a significant experience, where she felt accepted as an artist for the first time. She wrote a song called "You’re the Upgrade" following the event.
Ernman also revealed that her album includes a song that "makes fun of Trump." She elaborated on her experiences with male producers, stating that some try to assert control and dictate her singing style. "A loud, young female is very provocative, especially to them because they want to have control," she said, adding that the album explores themes of identity freedom and female empowerment.
Born Beata Ernman on November 3, 2005, she is the daughter of mezzo-soprano Malena Ernman and film producer Svante Thunberg. She previously used the surname Thunberg but last summer began using her mother's maiden name, a move speculated to distance herself from her sister's activism. Ernman has spoken about overcoming bullying and harassment that the Thunberg family has faced due to Greta's prominent activism.
In 2019, Greta Thunberg, now 23, publicly expressed admiration for her sister, highlighting the intense bullying, threats, and harassment Bea endured as a result of Greta's global recognition. Greta noted that her sister, who was then 13, bore the brunt of this negativity while trying to maintain a normal life.
Ernman began dancing at age three and singing at seven, facing bullying in school where she felt "annoying." She credits music with providing her with confidence. In 2020, she appeared in a musical alongside her mother, playing a young Edith Piaf. She has since performed across Sweden and is building an online presence, with ambitions for a career beyond Europe.
Reflecting on comparisons to her sister, Ernman told the Swedish outlet Hänt last summer that while people are often linked when in the spotlight, she and Greta have "completely different careers" and are "very different" as individuals. She acknowledged that the attention can be overwhelming but views her artistic path as one where "being an artist is about being seen, being on stage and getting attention."