Demi Lovato Reacted To Backlash For Performing "Heart Attack" At A Heart Disease Event

    One person had posted on X, formerly Twitter, "Not Demi Lovato singing heart attack for the American Heart Association event."

    Chelsea Stewart
    by Chelsea Stewart

    BuzzFeed Staff

    Demi Lovato explained why she chose to sing “Heart Attack” at a recent event for heart disease.

    closeup of her singing into a mic
    Jan Hetfleisch / Getty Images

    Earlier this week, the American Heart Association hosted its annual Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection Concert to celebrate its achievements and create awareness around cardiovascular disease. Demi performed a 10-song set that included the 2013 single.

    demi wearing a large ball gown on the red carpet for the event
    Astrid Stawiarz / Getty Images for The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women Red Dress Col

    Viewers were stunned when clips emerged of Demi performing "Heart Attack" and questioned whether the song was appropriate for such an event.

    One person wrote on X, formerly Twitter, "Not Demi Lovato singing heart attack for the American Heart Association event."

    Demi Lovato singing 'Heart Attack' at an event for women with cardiovascular problems 💀💀GOOD BYE. pic.twitter.com/mn9LKguBdV

    — anwar 🩸 ⵃⴰⵎⵣⴰ (@thevenenoo) February 2, 2024
    Twitter: @thevenenoo

    i’m sorry demi played at an event for the American Heart Association and she sang HEARTATTACK?!?!

    — sae! 🪩 ISO NOLA/Indy/Miami (@trytrytrytaylor) February 2, 2024
    Twitter: @trytrytrytaylor

    While another commented, "Now why tf would Demi Lovato sing her song Heart Attack in front [of] heart attack survivors."

    demi singing heart attack at a cardiovascular health event is taking me out pic.twitter.com/nP7UtevAe5

    — kaladaadsan (@ikioly) February 3, 2024
    Twitter: @ikioly

    Demi responded to the criticism through her rep, who defended the decision in a statement to Entertainment Weekly. They said the song was simply meant to show "the mind-heart connection."

    Santiago Felipe / Getty Images

    "She spoke on the mind-heart connection. It was a sensitive moment intended to champion the women in the room — the very reason why Demi was at the event," the rep said. "She did open with a beautiful intro on why she chose the song and addressed the room, talking about the mind and heart connection. It was actually a beautiful moment."

    demi singing into a mic on the stand
    Slaven Vlasic / Getty Images for The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women Red Dress Col

    According to The Hollywood Reporter, Demi opened the song by saying how she thought she "wouldn't be able to perform that song again" after she had a heart attack following her drug overdose in 2018. She reportedly said the song has a new meaning for her now, which is why she chose to perform it that night.

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