Australian children’s entertainment institution The Wiggles has found itself embroiled in controversy after two of its performers appeared in an unauthorized music video that appears to reference recreational drug use. The incident involves founding member Anthony Field (the Blue Wiggle) and his nephew Dominic Field (portraying the Tree of Wisdom), who were captured dancing in the background of musician Keli Holiday’s since-deleted ‘Ecstasy’ music video.
The children’s group moved swiftly to address growing concerns among parents and educators, issuing an official statement clarifying their position. ‘The Wiggles do not support or condone the use of drugs in any form,’ declared a spokesperson. ‘The content being shared was not created or approved by us, and we have asked for it to be removed.’
According to Australian media reports, the controversial TikTok video had amassed over 92,000 views before being taken down. The footage originated from this month’s TikTok Awards ceremony, where Wiggles members had participated in a family-friendly stage performance with Holiday (real name Adam Hyde) during his song ‘Dancing2.’
The situation developed when Holiday independently edited and repurposed this footage to promote his new single ‘Ecstasy’—a track whose chorus contains the lyrics: ‘Hey girl, come on dance with me. You and your pocket full of ecstasy.’ His TikTok post carried the caption ‘The Wiggles get it,’ suggesting an endorsement that the children’s group vehemently denies.
Despite acknowledging Holiday as a friend of the organization, The Wiggles emphasized that the video was ‘edited together separately and without our awareness.’ The group, which began as a university project in 1991 and has since evolved into a global preschool phenomenon, maintains stringent standards regarding its family-friendly image. Anthony Field remains the only original member still performing with the ensemble.
Keli Holiday represents the solo endeavor of Hyde, who previously gained recognition as one-half of the electronic dance act Peking Duk. The BBC has reached out to Holiday’s management team for additional commentary on the situation.