Romania’s Eurovision Song ‘Choke Me’ Faces Backlash Over Controversial Lyrics

Romania’s entry for the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, “Choke Me” by Alexandra Căpitănescu, has sparked widespread criticism for lyrics that appear to glorify sexual strangulation. The song, which repeats the phrase “choke me” approximately 30 times, has drawn condemnation from campaigners against sexual violence and raised concerns about its potential impact.

Concerns Over Lyrics and Potential Harm

Critics argue that the song’s lyrics, including phrases like “It’s hard to breathe in,” “I want you to choke me,” and “make my lungs explode,” normalize a dangerous and potentially lethal act. Clare McGlynn, a professor of law at Durham University, described the song as demonstrating “an alarming disregard for young women’s health and wellbeing” and a “reckless normalisation of a dangerous practice.” She highlighted emerging medical evidence suggesting that frequent sexual strangulation can cause brain damage.

The controversy has fueled a backlash online, with many Eurovision fans calling for the song to be disqualified or its lyrics modified. Research indicates that more than half of people under the age of 35 have experienced strangulation and nearly a third incorrectly believe there are safe ways to perform it. Studies have also shown brain changes in women who have been repeatedly strangled, including markers for brain damage and disruptions linked to depression and anxiety.

Previous Eurovision Controversies and EBU Response

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes the Eurovision Song Contest, has previously intervened to address controversial lyrics. In 2023, a complaint led the EBU to rule against the Maltese entry due to a suggestive play on words. The EBU has also previously requested the removal of words like “shit” and “pussy” from submitted songs.

As of March 13, 2026, the BBC has not lodged a complaint regarding Romania’s “Choke Me,” and the song’s video remains available on the EBU website. Both the BBC and EBU were contacted for comment.

Artist’s Defense and Psychological Perspective

Alexandra Căpitănescu has defended the song, stating that the vivid imagery is a metaphor for feeling overwhelmed by strong emotions and suffocated by self-doubt. However, ESC Norway, a trained psychologist and Eurovision YouTuber, suggests the song is intentionally provocative, capitalizing on a trend popularized through pornography. She warned that using such a sensitive topic is “super scary” and potentially dangerous.

Broader Context: Israel Boycott and Voting Concerns

The controversy surrounding “Choke Me” occurs amidst a partial boycott of the 2026 Eurovision event due to Israel’s participation, with accusations of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Concerns were raised in 2025 about potential propaganda and allegations of manipulated voting, prompting requests for an audit of the voting system from several European broadcasters, including Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Iceland, and Finland.

Romania’s Eurovision History

Romania has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest twenty-three times since its debut in 1994. The country achieved its highest placements in 2005 and 2010, finishing third place twice. However, Romania has faced challenges in recent years, failing to qualify for the final in several contests, including 2018 and 2023 with the song “D.G.T. (Off and On)” performed by Theodor Andrei.

“Choke Me” was selected through Romania’s national final, Selecția națională 2026, and is written by Alexandra Căpitănescu, Călin-Alexandru Grăjdan, Elvis Silitră, and Ștefan Condrea.