Saweetie Says Beauty Brings “Pretty Punishment” In Music Industry

Saweetie spoke about the downside of being attractive in the entertainment world, insisting her looks have often worked against her, calling it “pretty punishment.”

“They were like they talk about pretty privilege but don’t talk about pretty punishment,” Saweetie told Nessa Diab on Hot 97’s Nessa On Air. “There’s been so many times, I’ve just been counted out. And I know that it’s behind animosity. I know it’s because of a hidden agenda. But it makes me work harder.”

The term “pretty punishment” refers to the idea that while beauty may open doors, it can also lead to resentment and doubt. Saweetie, born Diamonté Harper, said she’s dealt with this kind of pushback for most of her life.

“There’s been so many times I’ve just been counted out, and I know that it’s behind animosity,” she said. “I know it’s because of a hidden agenda, but it makes me work harder. But this has happened my whole life.”

Since her 2017 viral hit “Icy Grl,” Saweetie has faced criticism about her skills as a rapper. Some online critics have dismissed her success as being based more on appearance than talent.

Comments on social media after the interview included, “You can’t rap babe…hope this helps,” and “Sweetie you are beautiful but your music is terrible baby.”

This isn’t the first time Saweetie has addressed the issue. In a 2021 interview with Power 106, she said pretty privilege “wasn’t a privilege” for her, adding that people often assume attractive women don’t work hard.

Despite the criticism, Saweetie has kept her momentum.

She’s launched multiple business ventures, collaborated with top artists and stepped into acting with a role on Starz’s BMF.

She recently dropped her EP HELLA PRESSURE and is still working on her long-awaited debut album, Pretty B#### Music.

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