Cigarettes After Sex drummer Jacob Tomsky faced public backlash after posting a dismissive comment on a social media video promoting Olivia Rodrigo’s upcoming all-female festival, Daisy Chain Fields. Tomsky questioned the necessity of the event in a now-deleted TikTok comment, prompting widespread criticism from fans who labeled the remark as unnecessary and dismissive of the festival’s charitable mission.
Why the comment sparked controversy
The controversy began after Olivia Rodrigo announced Daisy Chain Fields, a one-day festival scheduled for August 29 at Great Park in Irvine, California. The event features an all-female lineup, including Chappell Roan, Bikini Kill, and Stevie Nicks, with 100% of net proceeds dedicated to charities supporting women and girls.
In response to a TikTok clip documenting the announcement, Tomsky wrote, "We won’t be there lol tf." When pressed by other users to explain his stance, he characterized the festival as "forced promo." The reaction from the online community was swift; critics pointed out that the band was not part of the lineup and had not been mentioned in promotional materials, leading many to interpret the drummer’s intervention as an unprovoked jab at an event designed to support female representation in the music industry.
Band response and public fallout
Cigarettes After Sex frontman Greg Gonzalez moved to distance the band from the drummer’s comments shortly after the backlash intensified. In an Instagram Story, Gonzalez shared a screenshot of himself listening to Rodrigo’s song "Good 4 U," adding the caption "Only complete adoration from me" alongside a black heart emoji.
Social media users on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit largely criticized the drummer’s input. Common sentiments included accusations of misogyny and confusion over why a musician would publicly critique a festival that did not involve his own professional obligations. While some commenters speculated that the remark was a misguided attempt at humor, the prevailing reaction among fans—including those of both artists—was one of disapproval.
Context of the festival
The Daisy Chain Fields festival represents a significant project for Rodrigo, who has cited artists like Alanis Morissette and the band Bikini Kill as foundational influences on her songwriting. The singer has described the festival as a way to build a community, stating, "I also just like the idea of a daisy chain, how we can all be individual links in this chain that is larger than the individual."
As of late June 2026, Tomsky has not provided further clarification regarding his comments, and representatives for Rodrigo have not issued a formal response. The festival is proceeding as planned, with the lineup focusing on female-led acts to support its stated charitable goals.
Key Details of the Dispute
- The Event: Daisy Chain Fields, an all-female festival curated by Olivia Rodrigo.
- The Comment: Jacob Tomsky posted "We won’t be there lol tf" on a promotional TikTok video.
- The Fallout: Fans labeled the comment as "misogynistic" and unnecessary, noting the band was not invited or involved.
- The Correction: Cigarettes After Sex frontman Greg Gonzalez publicly expressed support for Rodrigo following the incident.