Who is JoJo Siwa and why is she so controversial? The ‘Karma’ singer rose to fame on Dance Moms, but is shocking fans with her new look as she enters her ‘bad girl’ era

Apr 9 , 2024

Jojo Siwa has recently transformed her look (left) ahead of the release of her new single, “Karma”. Photos: @itsjojosiwa, @iheartradioca/Instagram

JoJo Siwa has been going through something of a personal rebrand lately, swapping her once family-friendly vibe for what appears to be her “bad girl” era, US media reports.

JoJo Siwa has shocked fans with her new look. Photo: @iheartradioca/Instagram

Last weekend she was spotted leaving a sex shop in Los Angeles while carrying an X-rated plush toy.

JoJo Siwa experiments with a new look for her latest song “Karma”. Photo: @itsjojosiwa/Instagram

Then, on April 1, Siwa went viral online for her head-turning “goth” ensemble at the iHeartRadio Music Awards.

JoJo Siwa has seemed to enjoy being more rebellious recently. Photo: @itsjojosiwa/Instagram

Many were shocked at the 20-year-old TikTokker’s transformation ahead of the release of her new “not made for children” song “Karma” on April 5.

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Here’s a look inside her backstory and biggest controversies:

Why is JoJo Siwa famous?

JoJo Siwa’s style is evolving as she finds her way in the pop industry. Photo: @itsjojosiwa/Instagram

Siwa rose to fame after appearing on Dance Moms in 2015 as a 12-year-old, per People. She then grew her fan base by starting a YouTube channel, and launched a music career not long after.

Noticing Siwa’s popularity on YouTube and Instagram, Nickelodeon signed a lucrative deal with the then-14-year-old influencer in 2017, which included consumer products, original programming, social media, live events and music, according to Business Wire. Since joining the network, Siwa has guest-starred in TV series’ and films. She has also been featured in several Nickelodeon specials.

What’s JoJo Siwa doing now?

JoJo Siwa became famous for her giant hair bows as a child star on Dance Moms. Photo: @itsjojosiwa/Instagram

Siwa seems to be focused on her new music at the moment. “It’s giving you Karma. This costume is my baby. This is what I wear in the official ‘Karma’ music video,” she said on the red carpet at the recent iHeartRadio Music Awards. “This is a big ole sneak peak right here,” she added as she showed off a sparkly sheer bodysuit and face make-up reminiscent of 70s rock band Kiss.

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How many girlfriends has JoJo Siwa had?

Jojo Siwa is carving out a career as a pop singer. Photo: @itsjojosiwa/Instagram

Since coming out in January 2021, Siwa has been romantically linked to influencers Kylie Prew, Katie Mills and Avery Cyrus, according to British media.

What are JoJo Siwa’s biggest controversies?

JoJo Siwa posts regularly on her YouTube channel, which has over 160,000 subscribers. Photo: @itsjojosiwa/Instagram

Siwa has come under scrutiny for a handful of controversies in recent years. According to OK!, her make-up collaboration with Claire’s had to be recalled by the US Food and Drug Administration due to asbestos concerns, and she also came under fire for a circus-themed music video which featured a dancer accused of appearing in blackface, which she disputed. She’s also had reported feuds with Justin Bieber and rapper DaBaby.

Fame and celebrity

JoJo Siwa has been going through a major rebrand lately, swapping her big bow and family-friendly appearance for a new ‘bad girl’ persona – last weekend she was even spotted leaving a sex shop in LA
Siwa rose to fame as a child star after starring on Dance Moms in 2015, but has caused controversy for her supposed feuds with Justin Bieber and DaBaby, among other things