Ashnikko admits to free bleeding during onstage performance leaving people divided
Ashnikko has never exactly been known for shying away from a conversation - but this week, she sparked a mixed response after candidly admitting she could be about to start 'free bleeding' during a live concert performance.
For those unfamiliar with Ashton Nicole Casey, who has gone by 'Ashnikko' since sky-rocketing into the spotlight in 2021, she's an American musician who has built a career around bold lyrics, boundary-pushing visuals and a willingness to talk about concert attendees about - well, pretty much anything.
While performing a show at Sziget Festival in Budapest this weekend, however, she brought up the topic of menstruation.
In videos that have since gone viral online, the 30-year-old rapper can be seen telling the crowd she felt as though her period was about to start.
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"Just so everyone knows, I feel like I'm right about to start my period, so if I'm free bleeding at any point on this stage, respect and love," Ashnikko proudly announced.
"Send hearts up to me."
She then turned the moment into a lyric of its own, singing, 'Free bleeding in Budapest!' three times, before telling fans: "That would be so cute."
While the poignant moment might have been delivered with a laugh or and received with a cheer by the majority of attendees, it has raised several uncomfortable questions online.
As a reminder, free bleeding is, quite simply, menstruating without relying on period products, like tampons, menstrual cups or sanitary pads.
With nothing there to absorb the blood, it usually sees part-takers allowing menstrual blood to flow naturally into their underwear or clothing.
The reasons people choose to take part in the trend can vary. For some, it's about comfort given how badly certain sanitary products can feel as though they're digging into all the wrong places.
For others, it's a way of challenging the idea that periods are something that should always be hidden.
Free bleeding has also been connected to menstrual activism, period poverty and not wanting to pollute the Earth further with disposable products.
As expected, howwever, Ashnikko's comments have divided the internet, with some people praising her for being so open about something that remains heavily stigmatised, while others questioned whether free bleeding is appropriate in a public space.
Responding to a video shared by PinkNews, one uncomfortable TikTok user questioned: "HOW are ya'll comfortable free bleeding?"
Another demanded: "Wtf is wrong with people?"
Fans of Ashnikko quickly jumped to her defence, however, with one pointing out: "We were meant to free bleed btw."
A second wrote: "Isn’t free bleeding more healthy than using a pad? She’s so comfortable and I love that!"
"Mind you she's literally just telling people to not worry if they see blood," a third emphasised.
Another penned: "Crazy how this is like the cleanest blood and somehow yall are most disgusted by it."
It's really no surprise that 'free bleeding' is finding it's place within society, given the apparent benefits some studies and scientists have exhibited.
Several investigations have suggested, for example, that there may be traces of lead, arsenic and potentially toxic chemicals in some well-known tampon brands, which you'll avoid if you bleed freely.
It's also cheaper, with period products costing people who bleed around £5000 in their lifetime, as reported by Superdrug.
As mentioned, there are also the environmental pros, being that you wont be making any disposable waste if you 'free bleed'.
Topics: Periods, Celebrity, Music, Women's Health, US News
Rhianna Benson