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Sia has revealed that she considered ending her life following the intense criticism her movie titled ‘Music’ received.
Speaking to The New York Times, the singer admitted she “was suicidal and relapsed and went to rehab” after the film’s release.
‘Music’ was Sia’s directorial debut and when it was released, she came under fire for casting dancer Maddie Ziegler in the film as an autistic teen.
Ziegler, who is neurotypical (non-autistic) and lacked acting experience, was considered by many an odd choice when there are neuroatypical (autistic) actresses out there.
Sia was accused of being “ableist” and contributing “to harmful stereotypes of autistic people”.
Sia was called out not only for the movie’s portrayal of autism in general but also for its portrayal of the use of restraints.
While speaking to The New York Times as part of its profile on Kathy Griffin, Sia, 46, credited Griffin, 61, with helping her recover from the backlash.
Sia told the newspaper: “She saved my life.”
Sia revealed the comedian had convinced her to go out to a Hollywood restaurant following the fallout from her movie’s release.
The strategic outing was captured by paparazzi and helped generate positive buzz for Sia.
Despite the criticisms the movies received, it received two Golden Globe nominations.
Sia promised a disclaimer would be put in front of the film reading: “Music in no way condones or recommends the use of restraint on autistic people.”
She added: “There are autistic occupational therapists that specialize in sensory processing who can be consulted to explain safe ways to provide proprioceptive, deep-pressure feedback to help with meltdown safety.”
Sia emphasized that the project was a labor of love.
“The character is based completely on my neuro-atypical friend,” Sia told 10 News First. “He found it too stressful being nonverbal, and I made this movie with nothing but love for him and his mother.”
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