The Problem With Dababy's Comments at Rolling Loud

At this year's Rolling Loud Music Festival, rapper DaBaby voiced several homophobic remarks as well as misinformation regarding HIV that warranted heavy backlash from fans and as well as other musicians.

On July 25th, DaBaby announced during his performance, "If you didn't show up today with HIV, AIDS, or any of them deadly sexually transmitted diseases that'll make you die in two to three weeks, then put your cell phone light in the air... fellas, if you ain't sucking d*ck in the parking lot, put your cellphone light in the air." 

Following these comments, other artists such as Dua Lipa, Madonna, Elton John and several others criticized DaBaby's ignorant remarks. DaBaby defended himself on an Instagram story the next day, saying that his "gay fans don't got f***ing AIDS. [his] gay fans, they take care of themselves... They ain't no junkies." Later that night, he followed this with a kinder tweet, admitting that those affected by AIDS/HIV have "the right to be upset," as what he said was "insensitive," though he did not intend to offend anyone. The following Monday, DaBaby issued another more serious statement, acknowledging that he needed "wisdom, education, and resources" and apologizing to the LGBTQ+ community for his "hurtful and triggering comments."

Regardless of DaBaby's response to the backlash, the rapper's comments are indicative of common misconceptions regarding STD's and the LGBT community. First of all, contrary to DaBaby's statement, HIV/AIDS will not "make you die in two to three weeks." Thanks to modern medicine and research, HIV has become a completely manageable chronic disease. In fact, those diagnosed with HIV today can expect to live until at least 70 years old. HIV can easily be managed by taking medication to suppress the virus to prevent immune system damage, and prevent AIDS from developing. In addition to this, they are much less likely to transmit the virus to others when taking medication. Despite this, people continue to portray HIV as a deadly, untreatable virus. Comments like those DaBaby made on Sunday further this outdated perception. Spreading misinformation and fear about HIV only heightens stigma, which hinders conversations about HIV and even prevents people from getting tested. 

Portraying HIV patients as "junkies" who don't "take care of themselves" opens the door to even more stigma and discrimination. This furthers the perceived association of HIV with promiscuity, irresponsibility, and uncleanliness. Not only is this stigma completely untrue, but it is extremely harmful. According to the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB prevention, roughly 1 out of 3 HIV patients report feeling ashamed of their HIV status. This shame often discourages people from getting tested and seeking treatment for the virus.

Lastly, HIV does not solely affect gay people. DaBaby directed his comments at "fellas" who "ain't sucking d*ck in the parking lot." HIV can be spread by unprotected sex, both anal and vaginal. By addressing gay men specifically, DaBaby implies that AIDS does not affect heterosexual men, when, in reality, heterosexual people made up 24% of all HIV diagnoses in the U.S. in 2018 (National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB prevention). HIV is not a "gay" virus and heterosexuals are equally at risk. The notion that HIV solely affects homosexuals makes heterosexuals less likely to get tested. 

Nonetheless, DaBaby's comments are a prime example of the misinformation, stigma, and false stereotypes people still have towards HIV. Fighting stigma is essential to the fight against HIV. In doing this, we can can make testing, treatment, and prevention more normalized and accessible. But first, we must have open dialogue about HIV, challenge stereotypes, and educate ourselves and others.