Lana Del Rey’s new song takes aim at Ethel Cain, referencing an alleged personal rift involving Instagram posts, a mutual ex, and behind-the-scenes remarks.

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Lana Del Rey Takes Lyrical Aim at Ethel Cain

Lana Del Rey is stirring conversation online after using her latest song to address tension with fellow singer Ethel Cain. On Wednesday, Del Rey posted a snippet of the track to Instagram, including the pointed lyric:

“Ethel Cain hated my Instagram post / Think it’s cute reenacting my Chicago pose.”

The reference appears to nod to a 2022 moment when both singers posted photos with musician Jack Donoghue — Del Rey’s ex and a member of Salem. Del Rey’s photo was taken in front of a Chicago jail, while Cain’s, reportedly shared later, showed her with Donoghue outdoors.

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More Than Just a Photo Reference

The song also contains another subtle jab: “The most famous girl at the Waffle House,” echoing the headline of a 2022 New York Times profile on Cain.

In a comment on an Instagram post by Popbase, Del Rey explained her side of the story. She claimed she first became aware of Cain after noticing “disturbing and graphic” side-by-side images Cain allegedly posted, comparing Del Rey to “unflattering creatures and cartoon characters” while making remarks about her weight.

“I was confused at what she was getting at,” Del Rey wrote. “Then when I heard what she was saying behind closed doors from mutual friends and started inserting herself into my personal life I was definitely disturbed.”

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Cain’s Career Milestone and Del Rey’s Next Move

The lyrical call-out coincides with Cain’s release of her critically acclaimed sophomore album Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You, which dropped on Friday.

Meanwhile, Del Rey is preparing for her upcoming tenth studio album, teasing country-inspired tracks earlier this year during her Stagecoach Festival performance.

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