Charli XCX became one of the biggest pop culture figures of 2024 when Brat turned from an album into a global movement. The record's neon green aesthetic, fearless attitude and chaotic energy dominated fashion, social media and music conversations, creating what became known as 'Brat summer'.
But behind the success, the singer has revealed that the overwhelming attention came at a personal cost. Charli has admitted she is currently in the 'worst place mentally' she has ever experienced, saying the pressure of fame, touring and constant public attention has taken a serious toll on her wellbeing.
Speaking to a media outlet, the 33-year-old, whose real name is Charlotte Aitchison, said she has been stepping away from social media to protect her mental health.
'I have actually been a lot more offline; I don't really look as much anymore. It's just better for my brain', she said.
The decision is a major shift for an artist who was once known as one of pop's most internet-focused figures. Charli built much of her career through online communities, experimental releases and a close connection with fans, but she explained that being constantly visible became difficult to manage.
'I know people probably won't believe me, because I am inherently, at least in the past, a very online artist', she said.
'But I recently have been really struggling with my mental health to the point where, if I'm being real, I'm in the worst place mentally that I've been in my life.'
The Hidden Pressure Behind Brat's Success
The success of Brat changed the scale of Charli XCX's career. What started as a bold pop record became a cultural moment, influencing celebrity fashion, social media trends and the way audiences viewed modern pop stars.
The album's signature green artwork became instantly recognisable, while Charli's styling — from club-inspired looks to effortless, rebellious outfits — helped define the aesthetic of the era.
However, the same attention that elevated her career also created new pressures. Charli found herself not only promoting music but representing an entire cultural movement, with every appearance, outfit and creative decision placed under public scrutiny.
The singer said she has been making lifestyle changes to manage her anxiety, including reducing her coffee intake. She also revealed that she believes strongly in therapy, although she feels she needs to attend more regularly.
'I'm a big believer in therapy', she said.
Charli added that her anxiety eventually became physical and reached a point where she knew she needed to make changes.
'It got to a place where my anxiety was physically affecting me, and I can't actually proceed in life like that', she explained.
The Physical Cost of Performing
Alongside the emotional pressure, Charli revealed that the demands of touring have also affected her health.
The singer suffered nerve damage in her neck during her previous tour after performing intense stage movements, including repeatedly 'rolling around on the floor'.
Known for her unpredictable and high-energy performances, Charli admitted she now has a complicated relationship with being on stage. While performing remains an important part of her identity, she wants her next tour to be less physically exhausting.
Her upcoming North American tour, which begins in September, will reflect that change as she looks for a more sustainable approach to life on the road.
Moving Beyond the Brat Identity
Following the success of Brat, Charli is preparing to enter a new era with her upcoming album Music, Fashion, Film, which will be released on 24 July.
The singer has also pushed back against assumptions about her next musical direction after fans interpreted her new single 'Rock Music' as a sign she was moving towards a full rock album.
Charli explained that she has never viewed music through strict genre boundaries.
'I've never said I'm making a rock album. But to be honest, I've never thought about genre in a binary way', she said.
She also clarified that the song's lyric, 'I think the dancefloor is dead, so now we're making rock music', was not a criticism of dance music but a reflection of her personal experience after Brat.
'That lyric is very much about my relationship with Brat, and my personal experience with that album', she said. Charli added that dance music remains in a strong place, praising artists including Slayyyter, Underscores and PinkPantheress for continuing to push the genre forward.
A New Chapter After Global Fame
Since Brat, Charli XCX has continued expanding her creative work beyond music. She released a companion record connected to Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights project and explored acting with roles in films including Erupcja, 100 Nights of Hero and The Moment, a semi-fictional film inspired by the making of Brat and the tour that followed.
But her next chapter appears less focused on chasing another viral moment and more on finding balance.
Brat proved that Charli XCX could influence music, fashion and internet culture on a global scale. Now, after experiencing the highs and pressures of becoming a cultural phenomenon, she is trying to redefine what success looks like on her own terms.
For Charli, the next era may not be about becoming bigger—it may be about creating a career she can actually sustain.
