According to a report by The Guardian, the three-minute song repeats the phrase “Choke me” around 30 times. The track also includes lines such as “It’s hard to breat and “Burst my lungs.”
First Reaction From a Law Professor
Clare McGlynn, Professor of Law at Durham University, said the song normalizes a behavior that could put young women’s health at risk. McGlynn stressed that such acts can lead to brain damage, stroke, and even death.
Artist Responds
Many Eurovision fans have called for the song to be removed from the competition or for its lyrics to be changed.
Capitanescu, however, argued that the lyrics are not meant to be taken literally and are purely metaphorical. The artist said the song describes the feeling of being emotionally overwhelmed, as if one were suffocating under intense emotions.
Criticism has not been limited to the song itself. Some commentators said it reflects the normalization of dangerous tendencies in popular culture and pornography culture. However, Romania’s representative continues to insist
“Not Compatible With Eurovision Rules” Objection
Some Eurovision viewers and critics say the song could even face disqualification because of its controversial sexually charged lyrics. Eurovision rules do not allow content that promotes violence or dangerous behavior. For this reason, the lyrics of “Choke Me” are expected to be reviewed by the competition jury, and possible sanctions may follow. However, organizers have not yet made an official statement.
Eurovision rules prohibit lyrics containing political messages, hate speech, violence, or controversial political content in order to preserve the contest’s political neutrality. Songs that violate these rules may be disqualified. For example, Belarus was removed from the competition in 2021 over politically charged lyrics.
