The emo band Hot Mulligan has decided to leave the X social media platform following a controversial joke post that sparked backlash among their fanbase. This incident appeared to be the tipping point for the group, leading them to deactivate their account permanently.

Understanding the Fan Reaction to Hot Mulligan’s Controversial Post on X

The band initially used their account to promote the upcoming Ho-Ho-Hot Mulligan holiday show scheduled for December 20 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. However, the method they chose for promotion raised eyebrows and upset many fans.

Hot Mulligan shared a screenshot of a ChatGPT interaction. They asked the AI why fans should attend their holiday concert, receiving a three-part response about the event. The intention behind this post was to inject humor into their promotion, as the band often interacts with their audience in a lighthearted manner.

The rising discourse around artificial intelligence and its potential to replace human interactions has become a sensitive topic. Consequently, some fans expressed their discomfort with the band’s reliance on ChatGPT for promotional humor.

Critics took to social media, voicing their discontent regarding the use of AI. One individual criticized the band for being “unethical, uncreative, and overall corny.” Another fan called out band member Chris Freeman for responding aggressively to criticism, stating, “Fans were trying to tell them it’s not a great idea to use AI, and they just started being rude? They deleted the tweets but then kept going?”

The Factors Behind Hot Mulligan’s Decision to Leave X

Although the backlash regarding the AI-driven post was significant, it was not the sole reason the band chose to step away from the X platform. The criticism certainly influenced their decision to deactivate their presence.

In a statement shared on Reddit, the band clarified their position and the circumstances surrounding their exit. The complete statement reads as follows:

Hey might as well make the exit statement here.

I posted a screenshot of me asking ChatGPT why you should go to Ho-Ho-Hot Mulligan and Chat GPT’s response. This was met with criticism that generative AI is bad. I am aware of the implications of generative AI, my tweet was a joke using AI AS the joke. I responded condescendingly to some people who criticized me. This caused people to get mad at me for being condescending. They requested I take accountability for using AI and make an apology for it and for being condescending and not being open to criticism. I am open to criticism, but I think criticizing anyone for use of Chat GPT for a joke is absurd and I responded as such. I don’t plan on ‘taking accountability’ for being condescending about it because I still think it was stupid criticism to make on my post that shared the same sentiment as what I was being criticized for. Therefore I will not apologize either. This is an inescapable situation I’ve found myself in on Twitter and only Twitter for a very long time now, so there is no more Hot Mulligan on Twitter. I was the last one posting and this is where I’m drawing the line I guess. Hope that clears things up.

Community Reactions to Hot Mulligan’s Exit from X

While the backlash certainly contributed to their departure, the band also received considerable support after leaving the X platform. Many fans expressed appreciation for the band’s refusal to apologize, as one fan remarked, “I won’t lie. I like Hot Mulligan even more now for NOT apologizing for people jumping down their throats personally.” Another fan added, “Y’all are mad that Hot Mulligan didn’t apologize for using a ChatGPT screenshot to promote a show as if they have ever been serious.”

One fan humorously noted their shock at the drama unfolding, stating, “Having a heart attack seeing people say Hot Mulligan is cancelled and then I found out it’s for using ChatGPT in a meme.”

Another chimed in, “Hot Mulligan getting canceled for using AI is crazy work. I also think it’s funny that the angry fans think they’ll apologize for it. Hot Mulligan is like the least likely band to apologize for a joke.”

Silent Planet’s Garrett Russell also contributed to the discussion, pointing out, “There are so many valid things to be angry about in this world: political corruption, ecological crisis, genocide, rampant addiction, poverty… and instead, people freak out over a band making a harmless joke, all the while remaining apathetic to real issues. What a shame,” he stated.

When a fan expressed concerns about artificial intelligence, Russell responded with a thought-provoking question, “Do you feel like their use of AI was a serious endorsement of AI? Or that it was a complex task that required more energy than you’ve ever used?”

In response to a comment suggesting that deleting their account was “a bad look,” Russell defended the band’s decision, stating, “I disagree. I don’t think that participation on these websites is necessary, and I think they might be setting a positive example by moving away from social media sites that encourage adversarial discourse.”

Get Ready for Hot Mulligan’s Festive Holiday Concert

Returning to the focus of the controversy, Hot Mulligan is set to host their highly anticipated Ho-Ho-Hot Mulligan holiday concert on December 20 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This exciting event, taking place at The Intersection, will also feature performances by popular acts such as Tigers Jaw, Fireworks, You Blew It!, One Step Closer, and several others, including Riley!, Harrison Gordon, If Kansas Had Trees, Stars Hollow, Bad Luck, Tiny Voices, Potionseller, and Church Bus. Tickets for this highly sought-after concert are currently available for purchase.

Additionally, the band will host a second show on December 21 at the Russell Industrial Center in Detroit, wrapping up their touring year on a high note. Looking ahead, they have scheduled South American shows for next March, and more festivals and tour dates across the U.S. and U.K. are planned through the summer. For details on all upcoming events and ticketing information, fans can visit the band’s official website.