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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Carsen Holaday

Olivia Rodrigo fans slam indie musician for ‘weird’ comment about singer’s all-female festival

Olivia Rodrigo fans have launched a war on the drummer of Cigarettes After Sex after he made an unusual comment about her all-women music festival.

The 23-year-old singer announced Monday that she was launching Daisy Chain Fields, an August festival with a star-studded roster including Stevie Nicks, Chappell Roan and Doechii. Proceeds from the event will be donated to charities supporting women and girls.

As part of the festival rollout, Rodrigo went on Good Morning America and was interviewed by legendary journalist Diane Sawyer. However, the video of her interview seemed to spark confusion for Jacob Tomsky, the longtime drummer of indie rock band Cigarettes After Sex.

In a since-deleted comment on TikTok under a video of Rodrigo’s conversation with Sawyer, Tomsky wrote in response to the post: “We won’t be there lol tf.” When another TikTok user asked him to explain his comment, Tomsky replied, “I mean, it feels like some forced promo for a festival, right? I’m just saying our band won’t be performing there.”

Tomsky, 47, did not immediately return The Independent’s request to clarify his remark. Cigarettes After Sex was not mentioned during Rodrigo’s interview, and it is unclear why he commented on the video — and Rodrigo’s fans were quick to call him out.

Jacob Tomsky (centre) of Cigarettes After Sex is facing backlash after saying Rodrigo’s festival felt like ‘forced promo’ (Ebru Yildiz)
Jacob Tomsky (centre) of Cigarettes After Sex is facing backlash after saying Rodrigo’s festival felt like ‘forced promo’ (Ebru Yildiz)

“Men being offended by something that doesn’t involve them is straight up comedy fr,” one person wrote on X, with another adding: “he's weird.” Another wrote on the platform: “Why would a man be there in the first place.”

“‘Forced ad’ and you’re commenting on a video you could’ve skipped, on a social media account you control, on a phone YOU pay for. so that was a choice to watch,” one person wrote.

Another person wrote on Instagram: “Lol being a women hater in the big 2026. All festivals cater to men and the lineup is about 80% male. Let us have this one thing!”

Representatives for Rodrigo did not immediately return The Independent’s request for a response on Tomsky’s comment.

The Grammy-winning singer, known for hits like “Driver’s License” and “Good 4 U,” said in her announcement Monday that she had always dreamed of putting together an all-female lineup for a music festival.

“Truly never felt more excited to share a piece of news with you all. I’ve had a dream of doing this festival for years and I am so ecstatic its finally coming true!!” she wrote.

In an interview with Pitchfork magazine, Rodrigo said that the project had been directly inspired by Lilith Fair, the festival co-founded by musician Sarah McLachlan in response to sexist industry claims that female artists did not sell as many tickets as men. McLachlan will make a special guest appearance at Rodrigo’s festival.

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