The 2025 Webby Awards just dropped their nominee list, and Charli XCX snagged two major nods, proving yet again she’s a force in music and digital culture. Her razor-sharp "Von Dutch" music video is up for 'Best Music Video', while her deep-dive Apple Music special, Charli XCX: The BRAT Interview, scored a 'Best Interview or Talk Show' nomination. Clearly, she’s owning the entire internet.
Charli XCX joins music heavyweights like Kendrick Lamar and Lady Gaga at the 2025 Webby AwardsGetty Images
Since 1996, the Webby Awards have recognised the best the internet has to offer, from music and film to social media and emerging tech. Organised by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS), the Webbys honour creatives who redefine digital culture. Charli XCX’s nomination in two different categories speaks to her power to drive conversations online and engage audiences through both music and media.
The Music Video category is stacked with talent. "Von Dutch" is up against Kendrick Lamar’s cultural juggernaut "Not Like Us," Dua Lipa’s hypnotic "Illusion," Megan Thee Stallion’s high-energy "Mamushi," and Lady Gaga’s dramatic "Abracadabra." Each contender brings something unique to the table, making this one of the year’s tightest races.
Beyond her music, Charli XCX is also being recognised for her revealing Apple Music interview, where she dives into the making of her highly anticipated album, BRAT, and her creative evolution. Her raw and honest conversation earned her a nomination alongside big names like MTV’s The Pit Stop with Trixie Mattel and Spotify’s Countdown to Beautifully Broken: Jelly Roll in Conversation with MGK.
Every Webby nominee has a shot at two awards: the Webby Award, selected by industry professionals, and the Webby People’s Voice Award, chosen by fans. Supporters can cast their votes online until April 17 to help Charli XCX take home the win.
Winners will be announced on April 22, leading up to the big ceremony on May 12 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York. Hosted by comedian Ilana Glazer, the event is expected to be a big celebration of the internet’s most creative minds.
Whether she takes home the trophy or not, these nominations cement Charli XCX as the queen of merging music with digital magic. Now, let’s see if the internet crowns her.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.