Avril Lavigne

A theory originating on a Brazilian blog and going viral in 2017 claims that Lavigne died in 2003 and that a lookalike named Melissa took her place. It generated years of speculation about her appearance, voice and lyrics.

The Hello Kitty video prompted allegations of racism, fetishisation and stereotyping of Japanese culture because of its dancers, sushi/sake references and kawaii aesthetic.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Photographs from Brazilian meet-and-greet sessions triggered international controversy: fans had paid approximately 800 reais/350 dollars to meet Lavigne but appeared to be standing far away from her without physical contact, generating numerous memes.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Tommy Dunbar and James Gangwer sued Lavigne, Dr. Luke and other defendants, alleging that Girlfriend copied the Rubinoos' I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend.

State of the evidence

Settlement

Attribution

Accused

The youth wing of the Islamist PAS party called for Lavigne's Kuala Lumpur concert to be cancelled, considering her performance too sexy and contrary to Malaysian values. Government approval remained uncertain for several days.

State of the evidence

Documented

Chantal Kreviazuk publicly questioned Lavigne's songwriting and suggested that Contagious originated from a song she had previously sent her. Lavigne denounced the damage to her reputation and considered defamation proceedings.

State of the evidence

Alleged

Attribution

Directly implicated

Lavigne claimed to have played a leading songwriting role in the tracks written with The Matrix for Let Go. The production trio gave a different account, saying they had created most of the three major singles and that Lavigne had contributed more limited melodies and changes.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated