Triple J Defend Playing Song Called “Bring Wet C*nt” On Radio

Triple j have had to fend off critics after playing Brisbane emo-rap artist Zheani’s 2023 song Bring Wet Cunt.

The song has been played on triple j Unearthed, the broadcaster’s 24/7 digital station, and the Home and Hosed program.

After seeing the song's name displayed on DAB radio, one listener took their complaints to the top, contacting ABC ombudsman Fiona Cameron, The Australian reports.

The listener argued the lyrics of the song, which says the word “cunt” 41 times in the span of two minutes and 18 seconds, are “sexist, misogynist and foul”. Cameron, however, defended triple j, saying, “The language is justified in the context of a track by an Australian rapper.”

Cameron continued, saying, “The content is not degrading to women.” She also clarified that listeners were warned beforehand about “some coarse language”, as triple j does with their more explicit songs.

Zheani, fresh off performing at BIGSOUND 2023 and SXSW Austin 2024, doesn’t seem phased by the whole kerfuffle. She is currently touring around Europe and is playing a sold-out show in Poland tonight, but she hasn’t said anything on the matter.

Zheani will also open for American noise rock/industrial band HEALTH on their forthcoming Australian tour alongside Melbourne duo Joshua Wells & Karina Utomo. Wells is an experimental electronic music artist, and Utomo is known for her vocals in the band High Tension.

This incident comes just months after Richard Kingsmill’s shock departure from his role as triple j’s music director. Closing out his legendary 35 years at the ABC, Kingsmill said, “I’ve given my heart and soul to everything I’ve done here.” He notably created the triple j Unearthed program for up-and-coming Aussie acts.

Last year, Adelaide band Oscar The Wild cited Zheani as a “must-see” act at BIGSOUND, with drummer Ariya Gabell looking forward to a “very fun set” from the artist.