Christmas music isn't usually a source of controversy, but Chlöe Bailey has found a way to get people arguing before Thanksgiving. The singer released her new holiday single, "MRS CLAUS DONT HAVE 2 KNOW," on Friday (Nov. 6), bringing a decidedly grown-up twist to the season. While some listeners are enjoying the playful record, others are questioning why she felt the need to bring sex into Christmas.
The song leans into the idea of Santa Claus having a secret romantic encounter, with suggestive lyrics and a cheeky approach to the familiar holiday characters. Chlöe teased the release earlier this week with the caption, "naughty AND nice this year," making it clear that she wasn't preparing another traditional Christmas ballad.
Reactions have been divided, with critics accusing the singer of unnecessarily sexualizing the holiday. Others have questioned her continued reliance on provocative material, an argument that has followed her throughout her solo career. Her defenders, however, believe the criticism is excessive, especially since the record is meant to be humorous.
The song's premise even made its way to daytime television before its release. On Tuesday's (Nov. 3) episode of Today with Jenna & Sheinelle, Jenna Bush Hager reacted to the title by asking, "She hooking up with Santa?" Co-host Sheinelle Jones jokingly called the concept "naughty," while the pair wondered why Santa would cheat on Mrs. Claus.
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Chlöe Bailey's Christmas Single Revives Familiar Criticism
The conversation resembles the scrutiny Chlöe faced when she began releasing solo music outside Chloe x Halle. Her 2021 debut single, "Have Mercy," introduced a more sexually expressive image that some listeners struggled to reconcile with the singer they had watched grow up alongside her sister, Halle Bailey.
Her latest release isn't her first venture into Christmas music, either. She previously recorded "Winter Wonderland" for the 2023 film Candy Cane Lane, demonstrating a more traditional approach to the holiday catalog. Whatever listeners think of her newest offering, the criticism hasn't prevented it from attracting buyers. On Friday, Chlöe reposted an X update announcing that "MRS CLAUS DONT HAVE 2 KNOW" had reached No. 3 on the U.S. iTunes Top Holiday Songs chart. Her accompanying message was brief and playful. "Mwahaha," she wrote. Whether the song becomes a recurring Christmas favorite is another matter, but its opening-day reception suggests that some listeners are more interested in adding it to their playlists than debating Santa's marriage.
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