Pop singer Madison Beer is shedding new light on her difficult early experiences in the music industry, revealing that her manager and record label dropped her when she was sixteen. In a recent interview with Cosmopolitan, Beer spoke candidly about the intense and inappropriate scrutiny she faced as a young teenage artist, as well as the lasting emotional impact it had on her life.
Beer, who first gained widespread attention in 2012 when Justin Bieber shared one of her YouTube covers, quickly rose to fame. She signed with Island Records shortly after and was immediately thrust into the spotlight. However, behind the scenes, the young singer faced troubling conversations about her image and marketability, conversations that were not only damaging but deeply inappropriate given her age.
Industry Conversations That Crossed Boundaries
Beer recalled being just fourteen years old when grown men within the industry discussed her appearance in ways that objectified her rather than protected her.
“There was a conversation around me when I was fourteen,” Beer said. “I remember people being like, ‘She is too sexy’ and ‘We cannot sell that because she is so young, so we would have to wait.’ This was a real conversation, grown men talking about how I was too sexy. I was fourteen.”
According to Beer, these discussions made it clear that her success would be delayed not because of her musical talent but because of how executives perceived her appearance. The singer emphasized that very few people around her treated her like the child she was. Instead, she was often judged and marketed as if she were an adult, leading to feelings of exploitation and confusion at an age when she was still developing her identity.
Dropped by Her Label After Falling Short of Expectations
By the time she turned sixteen, Beer faced another major blow. Her manager and label dropped her, citing a lack of sufficient success as the reason.
“I had not been successful enough,” Beer explained. “It was devastating to hear that at such a young age, especially when so many factors were out of my control.”
This decision left the teenage singer feeling abandoned and unsure of her future in the industry. The rejection was not only professional but deeply personal, as Beer had invested so much of her young life into pursuing her dreams.
Emotional Toll and Mental Health Struggles
In her memoir, The Half of It, Madison Beer reveals just how profoundly these experiences affected her mental health. She described reaching a breaking point, standing on the balcony of her home, and contemplating ending her life.
“I do not think I would have jumped. It was more about knowing that I could, that I had a way out if it became too much,” she wrote.
Beer has been vocal about her struggles with depression and anxiety, underscoring the urgent need for better protections for young artists navigating the often harsh realities of the entertainment world. She has also advocated for mental health awareness, encouraging open conversations about emotional wellbeing and seeking help when needed.
Silenced by the Industry’s Power Structures
Beer also touched on the persistent feeling of being silenced by older men within the industry, individuals who often dismissed her ideas and controlled her creative direction.
“For a very long time, I felt very silenced by older men in the industry who did not know what they were talking about and steered me in all the wrong directions,” Beer shared during an interview with NME.
This experience added another layer of frustration and helplessness as she struggled to assert her voice in a space that was supposed to nurture her talents.
Reclaiming Her Story and Building a New Path
Despite these early setbacks, Madison Beer has reclaimed her narrative and carved out her own space in the music world. Her 2021 debut studio album, Life Support, served as a powerful statement of resilience. The album explored themes of heartbreak, mental health, and self-discovery, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into her journey.
Beer continues to use her platform to advocate for young artists, pushing for greater transparency, ethical responsibility, and mental health resources within the entertainment industry.
“I am really proud of where I am,” Beer told Elle. “If my younger self met me right now, she would be like, ‘You are the coolest girl on earth.’ I get to be you one day.”
Today, Madison Beer stands not only as a successful artist but also as a survivor and advocate, using her voice to spark meaningful conversations and inspire others who face similar battles.
Mental Health Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, help is available. Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or texting “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
