Creator Drama
Anthony Fantano Defends 2024 Halsey Review Amid Fan Backlash
No new developments since Jun 22
Photo: FrankJavCee (cc by 3.0), via Wikimedia Commons All clips and posts below are embedded from their original sources.
By the numbers: this timeline documents 4 events from Oct 29, 2024 to Jun 22, 2026, drawn from 3 sources.
“I’m certain my least memorable song will be remembered more fondly and for more time than anything you ever do with your life will be”
via variety.com
Background
On October 29, 2024, Anthony Fantano uploaded a nine‑minute video on his YouTube channel The Needle Drop reviewing Halsey’s album “The Great Impersonator,” which was inspired by her cancer battle. He described the tracks as “bad Halloween costumes,” called the sound “stale, 2000s pop‑rock vibes,” accused the record of “main‑character syndrome,” and gave it a 1/10 grade.
The timeline
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Fantano posted 1/10 review of Halsey’s album
Anthony Fantano reportedly released a nine‑minute YouTube review of “The Great Impersonator,” calling the songs “bad Halloween costumes,” “stale,” and assigning a 1 out of 10 grade.[1]
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Halsey tweets at Fantano
Halsey reportedly quoted‑tweeted Fantano, writing, “I’m certain my least memorable song will be remembered more fondly… Everything you say is more ‘whiny’ and ‘edgy’ than I was at any point on that album. But at least I had the excuse of going through chemo.”[2]
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Halsey added accusations of bullying
In a follow‑up tweet, Halsey reportedly called Fantano a “pay for clicks reaction YouTuber,” a “raised‑by‑4chan edgelord bully,” and said his critique was a “performative act.”[3]
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Fantano spoke to Variety
Anthony Fantano reportedly told Variety the low score was based on songwriting quality, not Halsey’s illness, and denied being a “devil” or targeting the artist because of her health.[1]
Frequently asked
Why did Anthony Fantano give Halsey’s album a 1/10?
Fantano said the review focused on weak songwriting and uninspired production, not on Halsey’s personal health struggles.
Has Halsey responded to Fantano’s explanation?
The latest development, reported by variety.com on Jun 22: Fantano spoke to Variety.
More related drama (4)
Sources (3)
Cite this timeline
This timeline compiles 4 dated events from 3 sources. If it helped your reporting, cite it:
GenZHype. “Anthony Fantano Defends 2024 Halsey Review Amid Fan Backlash.”
GenZHype, 22 June 2026,
https://genzhype.com/drama/anthony-fantano-defends-2024-halsey-review-amid-fan-backlash/.