Halsey Recalls Exec Going Through Their Nudes Without Consent: ‘It Was So Demoralizing’

Halsey opens up about a disturbing privacy violation early in their career with a powerful music executive, revealing its impact on their self-worth and perspective on industry power dynamics.

Halsey, acclaimed singer-songwriter known for hits like "Lucky," recently shared a deeply unsettling experience involving a powerful music executive who invaded their privacy. The artist, who uses they/them pronouns, opened up about the incident on the Call Her Daddy podcast, describing a moment that left them feeling “demoralized” and questioning their own self-worth.

The Incident: A Shocking Breach of Trust

The incident happened several years ago during what Halsey described as a typical, celebratory industry evening. They were with the executive and two of their male managers. “It was very just celebratory, and there was a lot of industry talk,” Halsey recalled. They felt comfortable and never sensed any danger—until the executive asked for a photo of the two of them together to send to his niece. Halsey took the picture and handed over their phone, saying, “Text it to yourself. I have to pee.”

When Halsey returned, they immediately felt something was wrong. “I saw he was going through my nudes on my phone,” they said, describing the shock and confusion that followed. “I was just frozen…I didn’t even know what to do. I was like, ‘Did I just imagine that?’” Halsey wrestled with the disturbing thought that the executive may have even sent the private photos to himself. “Did he text them to himself and then delete the messages? I don’t even know where these are now,” they admitted, highlighting the intense violation of trust.

Struggling with Self-Worth

The invasion left Halsey questioning their confidence and self-worth. They described how the incident shattered their sense of security. “I went from being like, ‘Yeah, I’m like f—ing hot s— and I’m one of the big players,’” they shared, only to be painfully reminded of the vulnerability they still felt in the industry. “In that moment, I was like, ‘You’re nothing. You’re still just that f—ing girl who’s getting taken advantage of.’”

While Halsey mentioned that they’ve endured “worse” experiences, this moment stands out because of its casual, almost flippant nature. “So many worse things have happened to me than that, but that one stuck out for some reason because it was so nonchalant,” they reflected, underscoring the pervasive power dynamics within the music industry.

Reflecting on Power Dynamics and Their Emotional Impact

For Halsey, this incident illuminated a harsh reality about the music industry. They explained that they once felt protected upon reaching higher echelons in their career but quickly realized that vulnerability can persist at every level. “I’m in this exclusive space, thinking I’ve reached the ranks where I am protected…and then this invasive thing just happens on a whim,” they said. The experience left them feeling as though they had “regressed,” a reminder of how the industry’s power structures often exploit even its most accomplished artists.

The Great Impersonator: Halsey’s Latest Release

Halsey recently released their fifth studio album, The Great Impersonator, on October 25. The album features singles like “The End,” “Lucky,” “Lonely Is the Muse,” and “Ego,” along with new tracks like “Only Girl Living in LA,” “Panic Attack,” and “Life of the Spider (DRAFT).” This album dives deep into themes of identity, self-reflection, and resilience—an apt expression from an artist who has continually navigated complex personal and industry challenges.

With this latest project, Halsey continues to captivate audiences with their authenticity, artistry, and resilience. And by sharing this difficult story, they shed light on the importance of protecting artists’ rights and privacy, reminding fans and industry insiders alike of the ongoing need for respectful boundaries in an often exploitative field.