Romania’s 2026 Eurovision entry, singer Alexandra Căpitănescu, is facing widespread criticism over her song Choke Me for seemingly glamorising sexual strangulation. Critics have labelled the lyrics “dangerous” and reckless, warning about the impact on young audiences ahead of the contest, which attracts over 200 million viewers. Despite the backlash, Căpitănescu insists the song is a metaphor for emotional pressure, not promoting harmful behaviour.
Critics Warn Of Dangerous Message
The 2-minute 58-second track features lyrics such as “Born for you to control, I want you to choke me,” which have sparked concern. Clare McGlynn, author and expert on harm in media, told The Guardian the song “shows an alarming disregard for young women’s health and wellbeing,” citing medical evidence that frequent sexual strangulation can cause brain damage.
Artist Denies Sexual Meaning
Alexandra Căpitănescu, winner of The Voice Romania’s 11th season, has strongly denied that the song promotes sexual violence or dangerous kinks. In a detailed statement, she explained: “Choke Me is a metaphor for the pressure we place on ourselves. It speaks about inner fears, self-doubt, and the feeling of being emotionally suffocated by our own expectations. It was never intended to represent anything sexual.” She described the lyrics as symbolic of emotional struggles and reclaiming autonomy.
Public Reaction Divided
Despite the artist’s explanation, the explicit nature of the lyrics has left many Eurovision fans and commentators unconvinced. The song’s surface-level interpretation could be problematic for a mainstream event broadcast to millions. Critics argue that the provocative imagery and word choice risk glamorising unsafe practices to a young and diverse audience.
Eurovision Spotlight And Cultural Debate
The controversy around Romania’s entry highlights ongoing debates about boundaries in Eurovision performances amid a global audience. While music often pushes artistic limits, questions remain about responsibility when sensitive topics are involved. Meanwhile, many Eurovision watchers speculate that the song will perform well in the competition, potentially outshining entries from the UK and other countries.
