In recent developments, a public feud has erupted between acclaimed singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey and rising alt-pop artist Ethel Cain. The discord became apparent on August 13, 2025, when Del Rey shared a snippet of an unreleased song on Instagram, featuring lyrics that seemingly target Cain. The opening lines state: "Ethel Cain hated my Instagram post / Think it’s cute reenacting my Chicago pose." (nme.com)
Fans quickly connected these lyrics to a 2022 incident where both artists were photographed with musician Jack Donoghue, Del Rey's ex-boyfriend. Del Rey had posted an image with Donoghue outside Chicago's Cook County Jail, which Cain later appeared to mimic in a similar photo with Donoghue. (pitchfork.com)
Further fueling the controversy, Del Rey's song includes the line: "The most famous girl at the Waffle House," referencing a 2022 New York Times profile of Cain titled "The Most Famous Girl at the Waffle House." This lyric is particularly pointed, as Del Rey was spotted working at a Waffle House in Alabama in 2023. (independent.co.uk)
In response to the song preview, Cain revealed via her Instagram Story that Del Rey had blocked her on the platform. Del Rey later elaborated on the rift, alleging that Cain had previously body-shamed her by posting unflattering comparisons and making derogatory comments about her weight. Del Rey stated, "I was definitely disturbed." (thetab.com)
This unfolding dispute has captivated fans and the music community, highlighting the complexities of artist relationships and the impact of social media interactions.