Fans are in a frenzy after Lana Del Rey blocked trans indie singer Ethel Cain on Instagram — just hours after previewing a new track that appears to take aim at her.
Cain, who has just announced her first-ever New Zealand Show, shared the update in an Instagram Story reading:
“Update: Lana Del Rey has blocked Ethel Cain on Instagram.”
A quick search confirms neither artist currently follows the other.
Song Tease Sparks Speculation
The block comes after Del Rey posted a clip of a song rumoured to be titled All About Ethel on 13 August. The track’s opening lines include:
“Ethel Cain hated my Instagram post / Think it’s cute reenacting my Chicago post.”
Many fans believe the lyrics reference both singers’ past connections to fellow musician Jack Donoghue, to whom they have each been romantically linked.
Later in the song, Del Rey sings:
“The most famous girl at the Waffle House / I don’t regret it.”
This appears to nod to Cain’s 2022 New York Times profile, The Most Famous Girl at the Waffle House.
Lana Responds to Fan Theories
Commenting on a PopBase Instagram post covering the spat, Del Rey claimed she only learned of Cain a few years ago, alleging Cain had posted “disturbing and graphic” side-by-side images comparing her to “unflattering creatures and cartoon characters” and made “constant comments” about her weight. She also accused Cain of inserting herself into her personal life.
Cain has not yet responded to these claims.
Fans React to the Rift
The fallout has prompted dramatic — and often humorous — fan responses:
- “A gay person just fell to their knees.”
- “Lana blocking Ethel Cain was not on my 2025 bingo card.”
- “I’m a child of divorce.”
- “Not two mothers randomly beefing…”
Some even joked the drama might be PR for a future collaboration.
Past Controversies & Career Plans
Both artists have previously addressed accusations of racism — Cain apologising for past use of racist language she described as “intentionally inflammatory,” and Del Rey defending herself against similar accusations.
Cain recently revealed plans to retire her “Ethel Cain” persona after her current album cycle.
Ethel Cain Announces First-Ever New Zealand Show as Part of 2026 Tour
Despite the online drama, Cain’s career momentum continues. Frontier Touring and Penny Drop have confirmed she will bring The Willoughby Tucker Forever Tour to New Zealand and Australia in February 2026. Known for her cinematic soundscapes and fearless storytelling, the shows will be Cain’s first in Aotearoa.
Tour Dates – February 2026:
- Sat 14 Feb – Auckland Town Hall, Auckland NZ – All Ages – ticketmaster.co.nz
- Mon 16 Feb – Palais Theatre, Melbourne VIC – All Ages – ticketmaster.com.au
- Tue 17 Feb – Palais Theatre, Melbourne VIC – All Ages – ticketmaster.com.au
- Sat 21 Feb – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney NSW – All Ages – ticketek.com.au
- Wed 25 Feb – The Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane QLD – 18+ – ticketmaster.com.au
- Sat 28 Feb – Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle WA – 18+ – oztix.com.au
Ticket Sales:
- Presale: Wed 13 Aug, 11am local time (SOLD OUT)
- General Sale: Mon 18 Aug, 11am local time via frontiertouring.com/ethelcain
