Taylor Hanson, known for his role in the 90s boy band Hanson, has announced his first solo single, Criminal, set for release on November 20. The news, shared via Instagram, has reignited discussions about the artist's personal and political life, particularly his ties to conservative causes.
A Polarizing Figure
While Hanson's musical career has spanned decades, his recent activities have drawn scrutiny. One commenter noted, ‘MMMStop’, a playful yet pointed reaction to the announcement, reflecting the mixed emotions surrounding his work. Others expressed stronger disapproval, with one stating, ‘Yuck yuck yuck yuck yuck’, and another bluntly declaring, ‘He can suck it.’
Political Donations and Public Perception
Much of the backlash stems from Hanson's political donations. According to public records, he contributed $2,900 to Republican/Christian Nationalist John O'Connor in June 2022, the same month O'Connor certified the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in Oklahoma. This has led to accusations of hypocrisy, especially given his efforts to revamp his image during his Dancing with the Stars appearance. ‘Nope. I know he was trying to revamp his image on DWTS but he has never spoken up for anything other than conservative values,’ one critic remarked.
Family Dynamics and Personal Choices
Hanson's personal life has also come under the microscope. With seven children, some speculate about his views on family planning. ‘WHAT?!?! Seven?! In this economy?!? I wonder if they’re one of those “we don’t believe in birth control” couples…’ one person questioned. Another added, ‘The three brothers have 14 kids between them. There's also like 7 original Hanson kids. So..yeah, they're all like that.’
A Glimmer of Hope?
Despite the criticism, some fans remain cautiously optimistic. ‘I hope so. Getting his one solo career fling would be a start,’ one supporter said, suggesting that this solo venture could mark a shift away from his brothers' more outspoken conservative views. Another commented, ‘People contain multitudes. Many have values that fall into both parties,’ acknowledging the complexity of individuals' beliefs.
The Legacy of MMMBop
For many, Hanson remains synonymous with the 1997 hit MMMBop, a song that continues to resonate. ‘Only one song called Criminal shall ever be acknowledged in my home (and this ain't it),’ joked one fan, referencing Fiona Apple's song of the same name. Another nostalgically recalled, ‘I literally only know them from a core memory of buying their fan booklet at goodwill when I was 5.’
Moving Forward
As Criminal approaches its release, Taylor Hanson faces the challenge of reconciling his artistic ambitions with public perceptions of his personal and political choices. Whether this solo endeavor will redefine his legacy or deepen existing divides remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the conversation around Hanson is far from over.
