Sia Recalls How Backlash From 'Music' Movie Made Her Go To Rehab

Sia is opening up about one of the challenging times in her life as a celebrity. The singer is often known for keeping a super low profile, with her costumes and hair playing a massive role in keeping her private.

However, in February 2021, her name was plastered all over the news, and it wasn't for the right reasons. So now, she's looking back at the difficult time and discussing the negative impact on her mental health.

In 2021, Sia made her directorial debut with the release of the movie "Music." According to IMDb, "Music" tells the story of a newly sober woman named Zu who receives news that she will be the guardian of her half-sister, Music, who is on the autism spectrum.

The main cast was Kate Hudson as Zu, Maddie Ziegler as Music, and Leslie Odom Jr. as Ebo. Building up to the movie's release, the "Chandelier" singer described it as "a love letter to caregivers and to the autism community." Unfortunately, however, it was anything but that to the community.

Despite receiving three Golden Globe nominations, the project was met with heavy backlash from the autism community and society at large for disability representation.

Many were pissed that Sia didn't care enough to use someone on the spectrum in a film about autism. Instead, she went for A-listers. "Music" flopped big time in the box office, making just $645,000 on a budget of $16 million.

Sia was the subject of so much abuse on social media, receiving death threats and numerous petitions to cancel the film. Shortly after the controversy, Sia apologized on Twitter and then deactivated her account. However, she has remained mute on the matter until now.

In a recent New York Times column about comedian Kathy Griffin and the controversy that ensued following her infamous 2017 beheaded Donald Trump photoshoot, Sia talked about her experience with cancel culture.

The Australian native who had had her fair share of criticism said of the "Music" controversy, "I was suicidal and relapsed and went to rehab."

Sia noted that Griffin helped her get through the experience and encouraged her to return to the spotlight. "She saved my life," Sia gushed.

The singer recalled how Griffin encouraged her to visit a restaurant last fall. The ladies were photographed together at Craig's in West Hollywood. Their arrival was timed perfectly with the paparazzi, creating a buzz.

Griffin opened up about the backlash she received following the Trump picture in the New York Times profile. The "Search Party" star told the publication she wasn't "canceled" but "erased."

She explained that the hostility she received wouldn't compare to other male comedians in the industry, citing Dave Chapelle LGBTQ controversy as an example and how his career still seems to be thriving.

Nevertheless, Griffin hopes to go back to her very first love, comedy. "I just want to get back to making people laugh. More than anything else, that's what has been robbed from me," she declared.

Last December, Sia marked a milestone when she turned 46. As The Blast reported, the singer added a new year on December 18, and fans went berserk on social media to celebrate the special day.

They commemorated Sia's birthday by remembering her top hits. But, of course, the hit tune "Chandelier" came out on top and its music video amassed over 2.4 billion views on her birthday. One fan wrote, "They don't make hits like this anymore, this song is legendary."

Another internet user gushed, "The Choreography, Face expressions and.he Dance..What an art!!" The next song on the list is "Cheap Thrills," coming in with over 60o million views. The last song on the list was "Soon We'll Be Found," where Sia was seen using sign language to tell a story.

Fans are hopeful that 2022 will bring more music from the genius singer.