Quick Read
- Daniel Caesar reflected on his 2019 “cancellation” for defending YesJulz during an interview with The Breakfast Club.
- He now admits critics were “100 percent right” about his actions.
- Caesar stated the experience “forever changed the trajectory of his whole life.”
- He expressed regret for the internal “anger and hatred” the incident revealed within himself, not for the defense itself.
- He now views YesJulz with empathy, seeing her as an “orphan girl that wants to be Black” after an isolating upbringing.
Canadian R&B artist Daniel Caesar has recently offered a candid and introspective look into the profound, life-altering impact of his 2019 “cancellation” incident. Speaking on platforms such as The Breakfast Club, Caesar revealed how the intense public backlash he faced became a pivotal catalyst for deep self-reflection, ultimately leading to a re-evaluation of his beliefs, behaviors, and a newfound understanding of personal accountability and dignity.
The 2019 Controversy and Its Aftermath
The controversy surrounding Daniel Caesar began in 2019 when he publicly defended social media influencer YesJulz. The incident stemmed from a 2017 post by YesJulz, a white woman, in which she wore a t-shirt emblazoned with a racially charged phrase, “N*ggas lie a lot.” While YesJulz later apologized for the post and continued her career, Caesar’s subsequent defense of her ignited widespread criticism across social media and the music industry.
Caesar’s defense, made during what he later described to Hot97 as a “drunk and foolish” moment, saw him challenging his critics and even daring them to “cancel” him. This defiant stance, coupled with the sensitive nature of the original offense, quickly escalated into a significant public relations crisis for the artist. The backlash was immediate and severe, with many fans and critics expressing disappointment and anger over his perceived insensitivity and lack of understanding regarding racial issues.
As detailed by Filmogaz and Vice, Caesar now acknowledges that this tumultuous period “forever changed the trajectory of [his] whole life.” What might have been a fleeting moment of controversy for others became a defining personal and professional turning point for the artist, forcing him into a period of introspection that few public figures openly embrace.
A Journey of Introspection and Regret
In the years following the incident, Daniel Caesar’s perspective has undergone a significant transformation. He candidly admitted that the initial criticism, which he once resisted, was entirely justified. “As time has passed, I’m like, ‘Oh, they were 100 percent right,’” he stated during his interview. This admission marks a stark contrast to his earlier defiant posture, signaling a profound shift in his understanding of the situation and his role within it.
Caesar’s regret, as he clarified, was not for the act of defending YesJulz itself, but for what the controversy exposed about his own internal state. “I thought I was being honest with myself and I didn’t realize how much anger and hatred I had in my own heart,” he confessed. This revelation points to a deeper struggle, suggesting that the public incident merely brought to the surface unresolved emotional and psychological issues he was grappling with privately.
He further elaborated on the concept of dignity, a theme that emerged as central to his personal growth. Caesar reflected on the idea of “giving up your own dignity” when one accepts certain behaviors, particularly from individuals who have historically perpetuated harm. “When you accept this type of behavior from people that throughout history have exemplified to you that they hate you, and then you accept the behavior to get out of the circumstances that you’re in, it’s undignified,” he explained. This powerful insight, highlighted by both Vice and Hot97, underscores a newfound awareness of self-respect and the historical context surrounding his actions.
The artist also acknowledged that his celebrity status amplified the controversy. As he told Hot97, what might have been dismissed as a “blip on the radar” for an unknown individual became a major story because of his fame. He drew parallels to his own upbringing, likening his impulsive, opinionated nature to his father’s tendency to engage in “crazy s–t” at parties. “My dad was the guy at sabbath lunch talking about how the government was going to put microchips in our arms. And I’m the same. If you get me riled up at a party, I’ll start talking about some crazy s–t,” he revealed, offering a glimpse into the personal background that might have contributed to his public misstep.
Empathy, Dignity, and Self-Acceptance
One of the most compelling aspects of Caesar’s reflection is his evolved perspective on YesJulz herself. While still acknowledging the problematic nature of her initial post and his own defense, he now views her through a lens of empathy. “I see an orphan girl that wants to be Black,” he mused, adding that she was “trying to embody what she understands” after an upbringing that caused significant isolation. This shift from a defensive stance to one of understanding, as reported by Filmogaz and Vice, demonstrates a deeper capacity for compassion and a recognition of the complex human factors at play.
Caesar emphasized the importance of considering the historical context of his actions and the experiences of others, moving beyond immediate reactions to a more nuanced understanding. This journey through cancellation was not an end, but a pivotal moment of self-discovery. He emerged with “newfound wisdom,” eager to embrace his identity and engage with the world “without the weight of unresolved anger.” He explicitly stated that he took “accountability” for his actions, a crucial step in his personal and artistic evolution.
As Daniel Caesar continues to create music and grow as an artist, his reflections serve as a powerful reminder of the complexities surrounding cancel culture, personal accountability, and the potential for genuine transformation. His willingness to publicly dissect his past mistakes, acknowledge societal critiques, and share his internal metamorphosis offers a compelling narrative on the human capacity for growth in the unforgiving landscape of modern celebrity culture. His journey underscores that true growth often emerges from confronting one’s deepest flaws and biases, leading to a more dignified and authentic engagement with oneself and the world.
Ultimately, Daniel Caesar’s public reckoning has transformed from a career-threatening scandal into a testament to the artist’s resilience and commitment to personal development. By openly addressing his past, he has not only sought to reclaim his narrative but has also contributed to a broader conversation about redemption, empathy, and the enduring power of introspection in an era of instant judgment.