YUNGBLUD has shared an emotional statement addressing his recent mental health struggles, opening up about the toll online criticism and “industry plant” accusations have taken on him. His candid message has since drawn support from metal veterans Scott Ian of Anthrax and Gary Holt of Exodus and Slayer.
The singer has faced increased scrutiny in recent months, including criticism from MGK (Machine Gun Kelly), who claimed YUNGBLUD canceled a tour due to poor ticket sales rather than health concerns and referred to him as a “silver spooned preachy wanker.” Falling In Reverse frontman Ronnie Radke also labeled him a “Silicon Valley tech CEO funded punk rock liberator,” while The Darkness vocalist Justin Hawkins has publicly criticized him as well.
On July 1, YUNGBLUD shared a video from his performance at BLUDFEST in Hradec Králové, Czechia, where he became visibly emotional while addressing the crowd.
“Lately I have felt so disconnected from everything. I have been trying my best to wake up every day. I have felt in pain a lot and I don’t know why for a long time. But every time I find your faces, every time I find your eyes, every time I look at you, I know that I belong somewhere.”
He continued by thanking fans for creating a safe space where he feels accepted.
“To feel safe from the outside world is something that I can never thank you enough for… This is your family and if you are ever scared, if you are ever frightened, if you are ever threatened, we will be there. I will fucking be there for you.”
In a lengthy Instagram statement accompanying the video, YUNGBLUD admitted he had debated whether to share the emotional moment but ultimately felt it was important to be honest about what he has been experiencing.
He revealed that he suffered a breakdown shortly after leaving the stage and reflected on how difficult it has become to process emotions while navigating the fast pace of the music industry.
The singer also addressed the persistent “industry plant” narrative, saying one recent article particularly resonated with him.
“This article said, ‘Yungblud isn’t an industry plant. The internet just missed the grind.’ This made me feel happy.”
YUNGBLUD went on to explain that nearly a decade of building his career has often been overlooked by newer audiences who have only recently discovered his music.
Despite the criticism, his post quickly received messages of encouragement from respected figures within the metal community.
Scott Ian praised YUNGBLUD’s performance of Black Sabbath’s “Changes” during the Back To The Beginning concert.
“I stood side stage at BTTB and watched you breathe rarified air the way you elevated ‘Changes.’ You’ve earned it all Dom. Cheers brother.”
Meanwhile, Gary Holt dismissed the “industry plant” accusations altogether.
“An industry plant cannot do what you did at Back to the Beginning. Genuine and real and convinced a horde of headbangers of this. Not easy to do.”
YUNGBLUD concluded his message by thanking fans for their continued support and revealing that he plans to take time after the coming months to focus on processing everything he has experienced as his career continues to grow.
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