Lou-Adriane Cassidy’s ADISQ Gown Draws a Wave of Harsh Online Comments

Lou-Adriane Cassidy’s striking red gown became one of the most talked-about looks at Sunday’s 48th ADISQ Gala in Montreal. The singer-songwriter, who won Female Performer of the Year for a second year in a row, wore a custom creation by Josée Calderisi of lingerie label Workingirls, according to Le Sac de Chips. The outfit, described by some as a “bird of paradise” look, drew plenty of attention on social media. Under several Facebook posts, commenters mocked the revealing design, comparing it to a tablecloth and asking where the rest of the dress was. Others criticized the outfit while saying they liked Cassidy, or argued that talented singers should not need revealing clothes to attract notice. The article also reports that one commenter made a racist remark about women who wear veils. It characterizes a number of the reactions as sexist and says the online discussion included people the publication described as older “uncles and aunts.” Cassidy, 29, was already a prominent presence at the gala after taking home the same major award the previous year. Her outfit’s coverage, however, shifted attention from the awards to the familiar debate over how women performers dress and how audiences respond to their appearance. The publication’s writer said the gown was not to their personal taste, but argued that people should show more restraint before posting contemptuous remarks on Facebook. The piece asks readers what they thought of Cassidy’s look, while making clear that criticism of clothing does not justify racist or demeaning comments.