Hayley Williams Drops Off Social Media, But Will She Be Back?
By Kristin Myers on October 9, 2021 at 12:20 PM EDT
Updated on April 5, 2022 at 3:21 PM EDT
Hayley Williams, best known as the lead singer of “Paramore,” has been a key figure in the music industry ever since the debut of Paramore’s debut album, “All We Know Is Falling,” in 2005.
After collaborating with other artists in numerous projects like B.o.B.’s “Airplane” in 2010, Williams finally released her first solo album, “Petals for Armor” in May 2020.
The critically acclaimed album was a mix of indie and experimental pop and centered around William’s split from “New Found Glory” lead guitarist Chad Gilbert, to whom she was married from 2016 to 2017.
Williams, 32, has spoken at length about entering their relationship as “the other woman,” describing it as “a splinter of pain needed to get pulled.”
The brutally honest lyrics of “Dead Horse” sum up Williams’ feelings towards their relationship: “I got what I deserved/I was the other woman first/Other, others on the line/But I kept trying to make it work.”
Although Williams was not afraid to give fans some insight into her private life through her art, it seems she might want a bit of that privacy back, as she has removed all posts from both her Instagram and Twitter accounts.
What Happened To Hayley Williams?
It is not immediately clear why the “Misery Business” singer decided to delete her social media accounts now. According to her social media pages, she is now only following two accounts: the official Paramore account, and Good Dye Young, a vegan and cruelty-free line of hair dye that Williams, herself, launched.
Her Instagram now only contains one post: a good-bye message to her fans. The statement reads:
“I’ve been on the internet and more specifically, social media since I was 15. Maybe even younger. It started with the blog sites… then MySpace. Then Paramore became a thing and social media wasn’t even just for my own personal use anymore but it was part of the job. It has been a useful and most beautiful part of the job. I crave connection and the internet is a pretty good tool for that when it’s not tearing us apart.”
“The thing is, connection is and will always be a part of my job (thankfully). As for my own personal experience with social media, I just don’t want it anymore. I’ve carefully considered this decision for almost a year now. Now I know for sure that my desire to move away from personal accounts (yes, even my finsta) is based on nothing more than my interest in keeping a boundary between a public and a private life… and wanting to spend more time looking up and out, rather than down.”
“No judgment to anyone who loves their social media. Just a huge encouragement to anyone needing permission to create more boundaries and space to grow — sometimes ‘no’ is the kindest thing you can say… to anyone!… even yourself.”
“Finally, if you’re looking for me, don’t look here. Follow @paramore.”
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Fans Reaction To Hayley Williams' Social Media Departure
Although Williams’ social media pages were full of behind-the-scenes footage of Williams working on new songs and practicing in the studio, fans seemed to overwhelmingly support the decision and left positive comments after her sudden departure.
“We will miss you so much but totally respect your decision,” one fan wrote, alongside the emoji of a peace sign and a purple heart emoji.
“I respect your decision totally,” another fan wrote. “Your own peace of mind is more important than anything. Please look after yourself, I shall miss you and the typos.”
“I’m so proud of you!” another shared. “I think I should do the same!!!”
“We love you, Hayley! As long as you’re doing good, it’s fine by us,” another wrote.
Other fans already have their fingers crossed for her return. “It’s okay we’re used to your phases when you leave and come back so we’ll be here waiting for you as usual!” a fan wrote alongside a prayer-hands emoji.
The most recent post on Paramore’s official Instagram page was made on October 1, 2021, celebrating the FBR 25th Anniversary edition of “All We Know Is Falling” with a silver vinyl record available for preorder.
Fans have their fingers crossed that the renewed focus on “Paramore” means that new music is coming. Their fifth studio album, “After Laughter,” debuted four years ago in May 2017.