Azealia Banks: Recent Updates and Controversies in 2025

Introduction

Azealia Banks, the American rapper, singer, and songwriter, has long been a polarizing figure in the entertainment industry. Known for her bold lyrics, unfiltered social media presence, and genre-defying music, Banks continues to make headlines in 2025 for both her artistic endeavors and high-profile controversies. This article explores the latest updates surrounding Banks, including her music, business ventures, and recent public disputes, with a particular focus on her allegations against Conor McGregor.

Music and Career Updates

While Azealia Banks has not released a full album since her 2014 debut Broke with Expensive Taste, she remains active in her music career and related ventures. In early 2025, Banks hinted at new music through her Instagram Stories, expressing excitement about her creative process and thanking fans for supporting her CheapyXO brand, a lifestyle and beauty venture that continues to generate revenue. Posts on X from January 2024 also indicated that Banks was working on new music, with a single titled “DILEMMA” slated for release on October 27, 2023, though no further updates confirmed its launch.

Additionally, Banks has been navigating a legal dispute with her former label, Parlophone Records. In October 2023, a post on X noted a development in this ongoing conflict, granting her more time to bolster her case. This followed her announcement in January 2023 that she was leaving Parlophone to release her single “New Bottega” independently, which became available on major streaming platforms.

Banks’ influence in the music industry persists, with her genre-blending style resonating with Gen Z and Gen Alpha listeners who favor mood-based discovery over traditional genre tags. Her work is often compared to artists like Doja Cat and Grimes for its unpredictability and cultural relevance.

Controversies and Public Feuds

Azealia Banks is no stranger to controversy, and 2025 has been no exception. Her outspoken nature and willingness to engage in public disputes have kept her in the spotlight, often overshadowing her musical output.

Conor McGregor Allegations

The most significant controversy of 2025 involves Banks’ accusations against former UFC champion Conor McGregor. On July 14, 2025, Banks took to X to allege that McGregor sent her unsolicited nude photos via direct messages, accompanied by threatening messages to remain silent, including the phrase, “Don’t be a rat cos all rats get caught.” She shared uncensored screenshots of the alleged messages, sparking a social media firestorm and widespread backlash against McGregor. Banks described the incident as “HARAM,” an Islamic term for something forbidden, and criticized McGregor’s actions, especially in light of his rumored presidential candidacy in Ireland.

In a surprising twist, Banks later claimed on July 14, 2025, that she and McGregor had been exchanging nudes since 2016, though this statement has not been substantiated and appears inconsistent with her initial outrage. McGregor has not directly responded to the allegations, instead posting a cryptic “Happy birthday to me!” on X on his 37th birthday, July 14, 2025, which many interpreted as a deflection. Banks has not indicated whether she plans to pursue legal action, leaving the situation unresolved as of July 15, 2025.

This controversy comes amid other scandals surrounding McGregor, including viral photos of him kissing a “mystery woman” on a Florida beach, fueling cheating rumors given his long-term relationship with fiancée Dee Devlin. The timing of Banks’ allegations has intensified scrutiny on McGregor’s personal conduct.

Other Feuds

Banks has also been embroiled in other public disputes in 2025. In May, she clashed with pop star Bebe Rexha over Rexha’s Met Gala appearance, with Banks making critical remarks that prompted Rexha to suggest Banks seek therapy. This feud highlighted Banks’ pattern of engaging in confrontational online exchanges.

Additionally, Banks has an ongoing feud with rapper Doechii, which began in 2022 when Banks declined to collaborate on a remix of Doechii’s track “Crazy.” The tension escalated with Banks criticizing Doechii’s record label and making comments about substance abuse and body-shaming. Despite this, in June 2025, Banks expressed openness to collaborating with Doechii, though no collaboration has materialized.

On July 3, 2025, Banks publicly criticized Kesha for defending Cassie Ventura, a victim of P. Diddy, in a post on X, stating, “We still don’t believe you. Stay away from Cassie.” This further underscores Banks’ tendency to engage in high-profile disputes with fellow artists.

Business Ventures and Public Persona

Beyond music, Banks continues to develop her CheapyXO brand, which focuses on beauty and lifestyle products. Her entrepreneurial efforts have been a steady source of income, with fans praising her business acumen on social media. However, her public persona remains defined by her unfiltered commentary and controversial statements. In a July 5, 2025, post on X, Banks expressed frustration with “social media justice campaigns” and made polarizing remarks about political issues, including a reference to “faggots for Hamas,” which drew criticism for its inflammatory language.

Banks’ net worth is estimated at $3 million, reflecting her success in music and business despite not releasing new music recently. Her reputation as a provocateur, however, continues to shape her public image, with some viewing her as a “controversial genius” and others as a “misunderstood visionary.”

Past Scandals

Banks’ history of controversies includes a 2015 arrest for assaulting a nightclub bouncer and a 2021 racist and homophobic tirade against Zayn Malik, which led to a temporary Twitter ban and canceled performances. She was also briefly engaged to Ryder Ripps in 2021. These incidents, along with feuds with artists like Iggy Azalea and Lana Del Rey, have cemented her reputation as a polarizing figure.

Conclusion

Azealia Banks remains a complex figure in 2025, balancing her musical talent and entrepreneurial ventures with a penchant for controversy. Her allegations against Conor McGregor have dominated recent headlines, raising questions about consent, celebrity behavior, and social media’s role in amplifying scandals. While Banks continues to hint at new music and expand her CheapyXO brand, her outspoken nature ensures she remains a lightning rod for attention. As the McGregor situation unfolds, and with potential new music on the horizon, Banks’ influence in pop culture shows no signs of fading. Whether celebrated as a visionary or criticized for her volatility, Azealia Banks continues to command the spotlight.