From a Slap in the Face to a Spitting Harry Styles: 2022 in a Nutshell
Let's have a look at the most outrageous pop cultural moments of the past year, presented month by month for your convenience — come with me.
Good morning,
Being the first customer in a coffee shop in the morning is awesome. Why? No small talk because the barista is too tired, no rushed people getting their to-go coffee and obviously the comfort of the dark. It's the time to ponder over thoughts that are probably not the most relevant.
And today we bring these not so relevant thoughts to the spotlight and take a glance at the last twelve months.
The last year I described as «Tumultuous», 2022 in my opinion fully deserves the word «Outrageous». For a short while it looked like we had survived the utopia triggered by a small virus. Then, bang boom, the world was upside down again. And there was nothing left for us to do but leave every stumbling block behind us like a hurdler. But don't worry: No bad energy over here. We focus on the crazy and absurd pop culture news of 2022.
So, grab a coffee, tell your boss you need a few minutes break and take a glance at the last year with me. And if I inspired your speech at the company Christmas dinner last year, feel free to copy me also this year.
January
In one of the coldest months of the year, naked skin caused an outcry. How paradox. Anyways, in Euphoria, the HBO show that fascinated Gen Z and enraged parents, one question spiked: Why do we see Sydney Sweeney's boobs in every other scene? And, in true experienced communications manner, the makers explained that there were actually more scenes planned with topless Cassie, Sydney Sweeney's character in the show.
Things got quite absurd when the resemblance between Sydney Sweeney and director Sam Levinson's mother was pointed out on Twitter. Well, we still don't know what exactly was the reason behind it, and maybe we don't want to know.
February
Julia Fox. Nobody knows why she is famous. But she is. And she does it kind of well, we have to admit. Last February, she stole the show from every single person at Paris Fashion Week. She showed up with a newly-single Kanye West. Put her statement makeup on the covers of major fashion magazines and went viral. On TikTok, users couldn't get enough of her completely absurd pronunciation of «Uncut Gems» in the Call Her Daddy podcast. Thank you Julia for keeping us so entertained in this dreary month.
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March
One sentence and a juicy slap in the face. Chris Rock and Will Smith had probably the most viral moment of the year. When the Prince of Bel Air yelled «Keep my wife's name out of your fucking mouth», stormed on stage and gave Chris Rock a juicy lesson, the internet couldn't contain itself. This moment at the 2022 Oscars, was something no one could have expected. Not even Chris Rock — stunned, he turned to the audience and declared in disbelief «Will Smith just smacked the shit out of me.» Better you than me, Chris!
April
An event that plastered the news. And I didn't understand it. But maybe I'm just too young to understand what a big event it was: However, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez got engaged — again! After filing for divorce in 2017, they started dating again in 2021. That's the marriage of a lifetime for you, Bennifer.
May
Oh Kim. Starving herself to fit into a dress is so 2015, but she did it anyway. She went on an extreme crash diet to wear a vintage Marilyn Monroe dress to the 2022 Met Gala. And, allegedly, still ripped the dress. To quote Kim herself, «Like, I just don't know what to say.»
June
Briefly, every TikTok user became a lawyer and legal expert as the trial between Amber Heard and Johnny Depp reached its climax. A trial filled to the brim with absurd statements, plot twists and ultra-cool witness testimonies. But my personal highlight was the performance of Camille Vasquez. Johnny Depp's lawyer debated her way into the hearts of social media, and maybe even a little bit into Johnny's heart.
July
In a year packed with outrageous headlines, a new album from Beyoncé was absolutely welcome news. Renaissance, released in July 2022, was an instant No. 1 hit and critical darling thanks to its seamless fusing of house, R&B, and disco. And, allegedly, should be the best album of the year. Do I agree when Kendrick Lamar dropped Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers? I don’t think so.
August
The Harry Styles gaze found it’s peak. Olivia Wilde's Don't Worry Darling may have only been a blip on the pop culture radar this year if it weren't for the drama that swirled around the film. From Wilde's liaison with star Harry Styles, to him allegedly spitting into Chris Pine’s lap — Don't Worry Darling enjoyed a wild release.
September
A king has left his throne. In September this year, arguably the most incredible sporting career in history came to an end. Tennis legend and everyones darling Roger Federer played his last game. Amidst many tears and the attention of the whole world, the tennis star celebrated his last game, leaving behind a flawless career. Merci Roger!
October
Actually, we are used to Mr. West uttering absurd statements. Many of them are not paid much attention to anymore. The world has accepted that Ye is a mixture between genius and madness. But in October, he broke the camel's back: when he started saying on a talk show that he liked Hitler (no shit) and understood his actions, even his Kanye West bonus didn't help any more.
Finally, the statements led to Adidas cancelling its deal with the musician. R.I.P. Yeezy.
November
Remember that mad designer? Demna? The one who made those bold hoodies at Vetements. Yes, in the meantime he took over Balenciaga, brought the house to its peak and now probably back to its nadir.
Why? The short version is that he brought out BDSM teddies and had children posing with the teddies in the shoot. If that were not enough, he placed court documents from a child-traffic case in the background. Not cool.
December
Fake fans, unexpected match winners and a generally topsy-turvy world: the World Cup takes place in Qatar in December. No question, it is clearly the most controversial World Cup of all time. But the title for the most absurd World Cup of all time might also go to Qatar.
And apart from Morocco and Japan playing their way into our hearts, the real winner of this World Cup is Palestine. These boys from the Kingdom will tell you that.
In retrospect, the year was really as absurd as the one before. Maybe we have to admit that we live in an absurd world though — I guess we'll see in a year's time here.
Now I'm sure your boss is beginning to think your break is a little longer than announced. And I myself should probably also start with my real work — so, see you soon.
Love,
Pascal