Zara Larsson faces backlash for singing along to Tommy Cash’s 'Espresso Macchiato'

Zara Larsson is facing criticism online after appearing to sing along to Estonian rapper Tommy Cash’s Eurovision entry Espresso Macchiato, with some social media users accusing the Swedish pop star of being “pro-Russian”.

A post on X criticised Larsson over the moment, writing: “the performative chick turned out to be a performative chick who’s humming tmmy ksh oh how unexpected.”

The backlash centres on Cash’s controversial history and perceived ties to Russia. The Estonian artist has faced criticism over his past work and associations with Russian artists, as well as his history of performing in Russia. His connections to Russia became a particular point of controversy during Eurovision 2025, when he represented Estonia with Espresso Macchiato. Ukrainian media and commentators also criticised him over a previous visit to occupied Crimea and his position on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Cash was also criticised after it emerged that the music video for Espresso Macchiato involved both Ukrainian and Russian members of the production team. Ukrainian filmmaker Dmytro Nedrya worked as the cinematographer, while Russian producer Alina Pyazok was also involved in the project. The revelation prompted further scrutiny of Cash’s relationship with Russian creatives.

However, Cash's political views and relationship with Russia have been the subject of controversy and criticism rather than establishing that he is definitively a supporter of the Russian government. His Eurovision participation was already contentious for several reasons, including criticism of Espresso Macchiato itself, which drew accusations in Italy of stereotyping Italian culture. Cash defended the song, saying he had not intended to offend Italians.

The song went on to finish third at Eurovision 2025 with 356 points, becoming one of the contest's most talked-about entries.

Larsson's apparent decision to sing along to the track has therefore attracted renewed attention, particularly among people who have previously criticised Cash's links to Russia. There is currently no indication from the available reporting that Larsson's brief interaction with the song was intended as an endorsement of Cash's political views.

The criticism also comes against the backdrop of Larsson's own history of speaking publicly about international political issues. In 2023, she faced backlash after posting about the war in Gaza and later apologised for wording that she acknowledged was poorly phrased.

For now, the controversy appears to be largely driven by social media reactions to Larsson singing along to Espresso Macchiato, rather than by any statement from the singer indicating support for Cash or Russia.