Charli XCX is setting the record straight about the persona that has often defined her in the public eye. In a candid interview with Vanity Fair, the 33-year-old pop star reflected on how her so-called “mean girl” reputation has overshadowed her true personality.
“It’s fascinating to see how people ingest your personality and spit it back out — what people cling on to, what people miss,” Charli explained.
The Brat singer, whose real name is Charlotte Emma Aitchison, acknowledged that her blunt and direct communication style has contributed to misunderstandings about her character.

“I’m always interested in, like, what does the casual viewer think? And they probably think I’m a girl who parties and does drugs and is a little bit b*****,” she said.
Separating Persona from Reality
Charli emphasized that much of what the public perceives is not a performance but a reflection of her honesty.
“People think it’s all some kind of performance, but it’s not. I’m not sitting here talking to you being the way that I am onstage,” she noted.
She admitted that her onstage presence, though sometimes messy, is one of the few authentic sides of her public persona.
“I think there is a correlation in that there’s a messiness and a lack of perfection,” she said. “It’s the combination of talking about those things whilst also embracing them and really struggling with them is what makes me whole.”
The singer added that this approach is what gives her authenticity:
“And I think that it makes me honest. You can vouch for me, I hope.”
Recent Feud Rumors with Taylor Swift
Charli’s comments come amid ongoing fan speculation about a rumored feud with Taylor Swift. Fans recently suggested that Swift’s track Actually Romantic may contain a subtle reference to Charli XCX, though neither artist has confirmed any conflict.
Despite the swirling rumors, Charli appears focused on embracing her true self rather than worrying about public perception. Her honesty about her personality and struggles continues to resonate with fans who appreciate her transparency and unfiltered approach to fame.