Lana Del Rey explains why she’s quitting social media

Lana Del Rey has announced plans to deactivate all of her social media accounts as of tomorrow (September 13). In a video shared to Instagram earlier today (September 12), the singer explains: “That is simply because I have so many other interests and other jobs that I’m doing that require privacy and transparency.”

“I just wanted to say that I’m obviously continuing to make my spoken word albums and my records,” she reassures fans. “I’m still writing my short poetry books. And I’m still very present and love what I do. I’m absolutely here for the music. I’m also just going on some different endeavours.”

In the clip, Del Rey also offers up some details on her forthcoming record Blue Banisters, saying: “It’s a compilation of older songs and a few newer songs, some written by family and friends and mostly old collaborators.”

“There will probably always be more to come,” she continues. “I want to say a heartfelt thank you for continuing to see me through the music. It’s always important to be witnessed... For right now, I think I’m going to keep my circle a little bit closer and continue to develop some other skills and interests.”

Over the last year, Del Rey has caught a fair amount of backlash on social media. In November 2020, she was called out by attendees of an LA book signing amid the coronavirus pandemic, where she appeared to wear a mesh mask. Earlier this year, she caused more controversy with comments on Donald Trump and the storming of the US Capitol, as well as the diversity on her Chemtrails Over the Country Club album cover.

Earlier this week, she shared the scheduled release date for Blue Banisters (October 22, FYI), alongside a new track and music video from the album, titled “Arcadia”. In May, she also released a trio of tracks from the follow-up to Chemtrails, including “Blue Banisters”, “Text Book”, and “Wildflower Wildfire”.

Her 2020 poetry book, Violet Bent Backwards over the Grass, was accompanied by a spoken word album of the same name, with production from longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff.

Watch her statement on deactivating social media below.