The name Sinead O’Connor would just fly over many people’s heads these days. This is especially so for the youth. However, she was one of the most iconic pop stars of the 90s, even though she effectively ruined her chances of a lasting career in the music industry. All because of one live television show where she tore up a photo of Pope John Paul II. However, many people have disregarded the context that led her to make such a bold statement in front of millions of viewers. Today we’re going to look at the reasons she had for insulting the pope, and how it put a stop to her rise to fame.
The Rise and Fall of Sinead O’Connor
Sinéad O’Connor is an Irish singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the late 1980s with her powerful vocals and unique style. Her breakout hit, “Nothing Compares 2 U,” became beloved by thousands of people worldwide. O’Connor’s music is well known for its emotional intensity and down-right honesty. She wrote existential songs about love, loss, and her mental health, and her spiritual viewpoint. Although, one incident made sure her career was fleeting.
Sinead O’Connor’s career was derailed in 1992 when she appeared on an episode of Saturday Night Live. In front of thousands of people watching from home, she tore up a photograph of Pope John Paul II. Furthermore, she urged viewers to “fight the real enemy.” The incident sparked widespread outrage, particularly among Catholics, who saw it as a sign of disrespect towards the leader of their faith. Along with the death threats she received from the public, she was targeted by the media. This made her life difficult, and she needed a break from her music career. The break lasted over 30 years, which explains why her name is not very well remembered.
“Fight the Real Enemy”
There was a lot left unsaid about the tearing of the pope’s picture. People who followed the Catholic faith were outraged, and her fellow Irishmen labeled her as a traitor to her people for her blasphemous actions. However, the true meaning of her actions was overshadowed by their fury. In reality, Sinead was bringing light to the fact that the church had been knowingly facilitating the sexual abuse of minors.
Back then, Sinead O’Connor was one of the few people who was talking publically about the atrocities performed by about 3000 priests. The rumors started around the 1950s, but they were mostly ignored. Then, it was only in the mid 90’s that people started paying attention. By then, Sinead’s career had already come to an end. On a YouTube video posted of the scene where Sinead tore the picture, people commented their appreciation and praise for the brave Irish singer. One person wrote: “She was right. Even though they banned her and thought she was crazy, it was found out later that pedophilia was being covered up in the church. She was right. And she was brave. She stood up for all of us.”
Another echoed those words: “She essentially ended her own career by doing this, but an incredibly brave and selfless act to put herself on the line in front of a massive audience to highlight something many thoughts was happening but was being hidden by the church. The way she was destroyed for being right is unforgivable.“
“Nothing Compares”
In 2022, a documentary called “Nothing Compares” was released. It showcases Sinead O’Connor’s life and career. It goes into great detail on Sinead’s struggles with her mental health and her protests against the Catholic church. Close to the beginning of the 90-minute documentary, Sinead admits that music is a form of therapy. She actually had no intention of becoming famous. In other words, she just wanted a platform to express her innermost feelings. “There was no therapy when I was growing up,” O’Connor explains. “So, the reason I got into music was therapy. Which is why it was such a shock for me to become a pop star, it’s not what I wanted. I just wanted to scream.”
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Sources
- “A New Doc Says Sinéad O’Connor Matters More Than You Think.” It’s Right. Rolling Stone. David Browne. September 28, 2022
- “In 1992, Sinéad O’Connor forced us all to confront the horrors of child abuse – and paid the price.” Dublin Live. Christopher Jones. April 2, 2020.
- “Nothing Compares”: New Documentary Film Examines Media Portrayal of Pop Icon and Mental Health Trailblazer, Sinead O’Connor.” Respectability. Lesley Hennen. January 27, 2022.
