Why Fans Say Chloe Bailey’s New Christmas Music Video Belongs on the Naughty List

Chloe Bailey has found herself the subject of red-hot crossfire for green-lighting a sexy holiday-themed visualizer in which her outfits resemble a child Christmas character. Now, the Black internet is weighing in.

Viewers are pointing out what they called an unsettling juxtaposition in Bailey’s self-directed music video for “MRS CLAUS DONT HAVE 2 KNOW.” In the visual, she sings that her “cookie’s out for you, time to devour” because she’s “been a good girl all year”—all while clad in a velvety red Christmas cape, red hair bows, and Who-inspired hair and makeup. “Come give your sugar some spice / Don’t havе to say, it’s all right / Now watch me ride it all night,” she continues in the chorus.

Cheeky Christmas songs aren’t taboo. Eartha Kitt’s iconic song, “Santa Baby,” achieved commercial success when it was originally released in 1953. Generations later, it has been cemented as a Christmas classic despite its suggestive lyrics. So why the stark contrast in public reaction now? People defending Bailey have pointed out that Sabrina Carpenter hasn’t received nearly as much backlash for her recent innuendo-filled track “A Nonsense Christmas.”

While the premise of “MRS CLAUS DONT HAVE 2 KNOW” ignited widespread criticism online, even dedicated fans conceded that the art direction for Bailey’s latest music video missed the mark. Critics have taken the biggest issue with her apparent nod to Cindy Lou Who, the girl from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” who helped the Grinch’s heart grow during the holidays.

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On social media, viewers questioned why Bailey opted to dress as the innocent, underage character in the video instead of an adult Christmas character like Whoville bombshell Martha May Whovier. The rest of the video, which shows Bailey hugging a teddy bear and riding a small rocking horse, has further baffled people.

Ever since the Chloe x Halle singer embarked on her solo music career with the stage name Chlöe, she’s been unapologetic about sexual expression in her artistry. After her 2021 breakout hit “Have Mercy” topped Billboard’s Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, she’s seen success with similar songs like “Treat Me,” “Better Than She Can” and “Body Do.” Many of her fans argue that the frequent attacks she’s received for “trying too hard” or “doing too much” in her performances are unwarranted, and they’ve compared her energy and performance quality to a younger Beyoncé.

Despite the backlash, Bailey hasn’t let the controversy or critique deter her. She captioned a clip with her new song: “yknow you that when you cause all this conversation.”

Singer Lizzo came to Bailey’s defense on Sunday, writing in an X post that “Chloë Bailey is giving us exactly what we need. She has endless artistic talent and is a lighting rod for our attention, like every mega star from any generations past. I hope she keeps creating and building a legacy that will have impact and value in our lives & in music culture.” That same day, Bailey replied to Lizzo on X: “thank you so much. i promise i will keep building!!! NEVA stopping.”

Bailey, 28, continues to promote her song with steamy Christmas-inspired photos even “Regina George would approve” of.