Ethel Cain Supports Killing CEOs to Enact Change: ‘Make Them Fear for Their Lives’

Ethel Cain, the American singer-songwriter known for her ethereal music and candid commentary, has recently sparked significant controversy with her outspoken views on corporate leadership and political figures.

Through a series of Instagram stories, Cain has advocated for extreme measures against CEOs and politicians, igniting a heated debate across social media platforms.

In one of her Instagram stories, Cain shared a post from former U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert Reich, which criticized the influence of money in politics, particularly highlighting industries like Big Oil, the NRA, and insurance companies. Accompanying this post, she added the hashtag “#KillMoreCEOs,” signaling her support for more radical actions against corporate leaders.

Ethel Cain‘s Instagram Story

Cain elaborated on her stance in a subsequent story, stating:

“Not even trying to be reactionary or ‘edgy’ or say this shit for shock value, I genuinely mean what I say. Corporations giggle at protesting. Why would anyone ever willingly come down off their throne that they’ve spent years building off the suffering of their fellow man? Nobody is getting visited by the ghost of Christmas future, no one is having a change of heart. It’s simple, you make them fear for their lives and hit them in the only place they hurt or nothing will ever get done. I don’t even see how that’s an incredibly radical idea. It seems quite straightforward to me. ‘Violence is never the answer’ wrong. Sometimes it is.”

Ethel Cain‘s Instagram Story

In another post, she remarked, “The world is burning and it’s very clear who’s holding the matches,” further emphasizing her belief that current global crises are directly attributable to corporate and political leaders.

Ethel Cain‘s Instagram Story

Cain’s comments have elicited a wide range of reactions. Supporters praise her for her unfiltered critique of systemic issues, while critics express concern over her endorsement of violence as a means of enacting change. This is not the first time Cain has courted controversy with her statements.

In December 2024, she defended Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, by sharing a graphic on her Instagram story that read:

“These companies don’t care about you, or your kids, or your grandkids. They have zero qualms about burning down the planet for a buck, so why should we have any qualms about burning them down to survive?”

She captioned the post with her own statement, “Violence begets violence.”

Additionally, Cain has previously expressed her displeasure with President Joe Biden’s policies. In October 2023, she seemingly called for his assassination in response to his plan to provide Israel with $1 billion in new weapons amid its ongoing conflict.

These incidents have intensified the debate surrounding Cain’s rhetoric, with some viewing her as a provocative artist challenging the status quo, while others are alarmed by her apparent endorsement of violent actions.

As discussions about the ethics of such statements continue, Cain remains unapologetic, maintaining her position that drastic measures are necessary to address systemic injustices.

What are your thoughts on Ethel Cain’s recent comments on CEOs? Leave your thoughts below!