Doja Cat is opening up about how she navigates life as one of music’s biggest stars while still craving privacy.
In her April cover story with Vogue, the singer-rapper shared that she sometimes intentionally tries to look “ugly” in public as a creative way to avoid being filmed by fans and paparazzi.
The 30-year-old “Paint the Town Red” artist explained that she wants to step out in public and shop like any regular person, without drawing attention. Rather than confronting people or paying to shut down a store, Doja Cat has found a different approach. “It makes me so upset,” she said, referring to the constant attention when she goes out. “Will I go up to somebody and be like, ‘Stop f—ing filming me,’ and cuss them out? No, I’m not going to do that. I don’t want to do that. I think I would rather do it in a creative way.”
When asked what she meant by “creative way,” she clarified, “Sometimes I try to look purposefully ugly.” She added that she even turns it into a game, showing how she has adapted to the pressures of fame while maintaining a sense of control over her public image.
Doja Cat also reflected on her early years, revealing that she struggled with agoraphobia as a teenager. She said she was fully agoraphobic when she first began making rap videos, which eventually launched her career. This need for privacy has carried into her adult life, as she described “hermit-like” behavior as essential for resetting between projects.
Her latest album, Vie, which was released in September 2025, came after a period of staying at home to recharge. Doja Cat explained that this time allowed her to “restimulate my creative bone” and prepare for the project with renewed inspiration.
