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Rebecca Black Releases Emotional Statement On Ninth Anniversary Of 'Friday'

Rebecca Black Releases Emotional Statement On Ninth Anniversary Of 'Friday'

The singer says she used to be 'terribly ashamed of herself and afraid of the world'

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Nine years ago, Rebecca Black uploaded the video for her debut single 'Friday' to YouTube, little suspecting the impact it would have. Don't remember it? Well, here you go:

Derided as 'bizarre', 'inept' and even 'the worst song ever', it blew up online after comedian Michael J. Nelson tweeted unfavourably about its video. Black became a viral sensation - albeit, perhaps not for the reason she might have preferred.

Nearly a decade on from 'Friday's ill-fated appearance online, the singer has reflected on her life while delivering a powerful statement about mental health.

The 22-year-old wrote on Instagram: "[Nine] years ago today a music video for a song called 'Friday' was uploaded to the internet. Above all things, I just wish I could go back and talk to my 13-year-old self who was terribly ashamed of herself and afraid of the world.

"To my 15-year-old self who felt like she had nobody to talk to about the depression she faced. To my 17-year-old self who would get to school only to get food thrown at her and her friends. To my 19-year-old self who had almost every producer/songwriter tell me they'd never work with me.

Rebecca Black/Instagram

"Hell, to myself a few days ago who felt disgusting when she looked in the mirror!

"I'm trying to remind myself more and more that every day is a new opportunity to shift your reality and lift your spirit. You are not defined by any one choice or thing. Time heals and nothing is finite.

"It's a process that's never too late to begin. And so, here we go! This might be a weird thing to post but the honesty feels good if nothing else."

Black fought hard to shed the song from her portfolio and continued trying to establish a career for herself in the music industry. She even appeared on a new American reality TV singing competition last year.

Speaking on The Four: Battle for Stardom, the young star explained how 'Friday' launched her name back in 2011, but it also led to loads of people firing abuse at her online.

"After it went on the internet, it blew up in the blink of an eye," she said in a voiceover before she rocked onto the stage.

"The hate comments were everywhere. No one can prep you for that kind of thing. There is something so brutal when you're 13, about people telling you don't belong here.

"There was definitely a moment where I got really close to giving up on my music. You should never let anyone tell you what you love to do is wrong."

Featured Image Credit: Rebecca Black

Topics: Entertainment, Celebrity, Music