SZA is known for being super active on Instagram Reels, and her comments usually get thousands of likes and support. But after her latest controversial comment, she’s getting backlash instead.
A person on Instagram posted a video from a Dua Lipa concert, showing off the power of the zoom on the newest iPhone.
“If anyone asks if the iPhone 17 Pro Max is worth it, just show them this,” the Instagram Reel said.
SZA, who is known for being pretty vocal on social media on social justic issues, left a comment criticising buying new phones.
“Children in Congo literally died for this phone. I absolutely hope the zoom was worth it,” said SZA’s comment. It got over 2k likes.
The singer is referencing the alleged use of child labour to mine cobalt, an essential metal for all modern smartphones. Apple has denied these claims in a 2020 statement given to the Guardian.
“We have never knowingly sourced operations using any form of involuntary labor, fraudulent recruiting practices or child labor. We work with suppliers to manage their sourcing programs responsibly. Any supplier with reports of misconduct is investigated and, if misconduct is found, removed from our supply chain,” they said.
People on social media were quick to call out SZA for this comment.
“The fact that she bought three different iPhones in under three years yet continues to act like this online,” said one person on X. They attached three SZA selfies, where she’s seemingly using different phones.
The fact that she bought 3 different iPhones in under 3 years yet continues to act like this online… pic.twitter.com/2sy48qEqDr
— SiN MiNAJ (@nickimymotherrr) October 27, 2025
“The rich always expect for the poor to be sustainable and save the planet, only for them to enjoy everything they criticise. We’re already used to this,” said one reply.
Although there’s lots of people calling out SZA for this comment, some people are defending her.
“She’s VERY obviously saying that buying a new iPhone every year for basic ass features is useless and wasteful, not that anyone with an iPhone is evil. Y’all not very smart and that isn’t the gotcha you think it is,” said one tweet with over 75k likes.
SZA hasn’t publicly addressed the backlash.
Featured image via Instagram
