The Wiggles Address Controversy Over Alleged Drug Endorsement in Video with Peking Duk’s Keli Holiday

The Wiggles have officially addressed the controversy surrounding a recently removed video from Keli Holiday’s TikTok account. The clip drew significant attention for allegedly endorsing drug use. Keli Holiday, also known as Adam Hyde, is a member of the Australian electronic music duo Peking Duk.

The Video and Its Aftermath

The controversial video, featuring The Wiggles’ Blue Wiggle Anthony Field, was posted on Thursday and attracted over 92,000 views before its removal on Friday. In the clip, Field and The Tree of Wisdom danced alongside Holiday during a performance of his new song, “Ecstasy.” The song’s lyrics include references to drug use, which raised alarms among parents and professionals.

Following inquiries from The West Australian, The Wiggles emphasized that they did not approve the content and were unaware it had been shared. A spokeswoman for the group stated, “We understand that a video circulating on social media has caused concern for many parents and professionals.” She reiterated that The Wiggles do not support drug use in any form.

Reactions from Experts

The video prompted backlash from child psychologists, who labeled it “disturbing” and “potentially dangerous.” Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg expressed concern about public figures influencing young children with lyrics that could normalize drug use. He suggested that performers should focus on promoting healthy habits instead.

• Dr. Carr-Gregg criticized The Wiggles for the “epic fail” and insisted they should issue an apology.
• Child psychologist Clare Rowe highlighted the contrast between the video content and the wholesome legacy of The Wiggles.
• Rowe warned that the incident could undermine parents’ trust in the brand.

The Broader Implications

This incident comes at a time when new laws are being proposed to prohibit children under 16 from using social media, including platforms like TikTok. The controversy surrounding the video could amplify concerns about content targeting younger audiences.

The spokesperson for The Wiggles reiterated their commitment to providing safe, positive, and educational experiences for children. They emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of their brand and the trust parents place in them. The discussions around the video serve as a critical reminder of the need for caution in media portrayals that involve children’s entertainment.

As the situation unfolds, Keli Holiday has yet to publicly comment on the backlash. The event has sparked a significant dialogue about the responsibilities of entertainers in safeguarding children’s well-being.