- A recent Guardian article questioned the implications of Sia working with 15-year-old dancer Maddie Ziegler.
- Since 2015, the singer has used Ziegler to represent her emotions since she doesn't want to be famous.
- Sia responded to the criticism on Twitter, saying that she checks in on Ziegler once a week and that fame affects the young dancer differently than it affects her.
- The singer has been largely out of the limelight since 2013, when she announced that she didn't want to be famous anymore.
On Wednesday evening, Sia responded to a Guardian article that questioned her professional relationship with 15-year-old dancer Maddie Ziegler.
The article, which was published on Tuesday, argued that their professional relationship is hypocritical because Sia has been outspoken about how fame can be unhealthy. On Wednesday night, Sia responded to the claims in the article with a series of tweets.
This article poses a question I have asked myself often. I do check in with Maddie weekly about whether she wants this, and assure her if she ever wants it to stop it stops. It's a conversation we should all be having. Not just myself but all directors, stage parents and agents.
— sia (@Sia) December 6, 2017
With their children, clients, charges. Maddie was already famous when I discovered her, but I have certainly expanded her exposure and feel responsible for that. I feel very protective of her and my goal is to empower her in whatever choices she makes. Some would argue a teenager
— sia (@Sia) December 6, 2017
Can't or shouldn't be charged with making sound choices for themselves and so I do try to choose the best for her always. But I think this is an important conversation https://t.co/0k6bQ8EsvT
— sia (@Sia) December 6, 2017
In the tweets, Sia said that she often thinks about the dilemma referenced in the article and checks in with Ziegler on a weekly basis.
"I feel very protective of her and my goal is to empower her in whatever choices she makes. Some would argue a teenager can't or shouldn't be charged with making sound choices for themselves and so I do try to choose the best for her always," Sia tweeted.
The singer also said that she and Ziegler process fame differently, which is why they work so well together.
What I learned from Maddie is that fame affects her differently than how it affected me. I can only trust that she is telling me the truth. If that changes, we stop.
— sia (@Sia) December 6, 2017
"What I learned from Maddie is that fame affects her differently than how it affected me. I can only trust that she is telling me the truth. If that changes, we stop," she wrote.
Ziegler has not responded to the article or Sia's tweets. However, the singer's fans have rallied behind her online.
@Sia I think you're a great mentor for Maddie... You've made space for her to grow and you've protected her. The rest is up to Maddie and I'm sure she'll make the right decisions. She's learning from you!
— Justin Paul Abraham (@WildfireRising) December 7, 2017
Sia will stop collaboration with Maddie Ziegler if fame becomes too much pic.twitter.com/QwqvSmB1XA
— Maurice Dekatt (@Dekatt23) December 7, 2017
The fact @Sia has had to explain herself at all is ridiculous. Everyone is so worried about everyone else, worry about YOU. Maddie is fine, she has money and a great life ahead. There’s been much younger child stars. So chill people. 😘
— Jacob Eldon (@jacob_eldon25) December 7, 2017
Maddie been famous since 2011 Sia saw her talent and put her in a new tax Bracket for doing what she loves to do anyways DANCE
— Nae Michelle (@NaeMichellee) December 7, 2017
The Guardian article questioned the pair's collaboration because, back in 2013, Sia wrote in Billboard that she didn't want to be famous because she found the lifestyle unhealthy. She started hiding her face with wigs and bows.
But that same year, the singer enlisted then-12-year-old dance prodigy Ziegler to star in the music video for her single "Elastic Heart."
Since then, the two have frequently collaborated, with Ziegler often taking center stage at Sia's concerts and embodying the singer's persona.
INSIDER has reached out to representatives for Maddie Ziegler and Sia for comment.
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