ELIZABETH EDEN HARRIS is a 21-year-old rapper, known by fans as Cupcakke.
Last March, the Chicago native played a sold out show in Dublin’s Button Factory, a couple of months after she went viral for helping a vulnerable teenager on Twitter avoid homelessness.
Cupcakke is well known for her positive attitude and her eagerness to help others – her most recent album featured a song A.U.T.I.S.M. (A Unique Strong Thinking Individual Strongly Matters) which was released in the hopes of empowering her fans with autism, and she has proven herself to be a massive ally to the LGBT community. As soon as she began to make money from her music career, she donated the money right back into the Chicago homeless shelters she lived in as a young child.
Fans were left seriously concerned in the early hours of Monday morning when Cupcakke began posting some worrying tweets. The 21-year-old told Twitter followers that she was planning on taking her own life, and took to Instagram to write, “Thank you for everything y’all have done for me, I really appreciate it.”
Friends and fans of the rapper raised the alarm with police in Chicago immediately, who dispatched officers to Cupcakke’s home to do a wellness check. Comedian Elijah Daniel kept in touch with the police and updated Cupcakke’s fans on the situation as it unfolded, eventually tweeting: “UPDATE: Chicago Police got to Elizabeth’s place and she has been taken to a hospital. I don’t have any further information beyond that, but will update when I do.”
He continued:
I’ve never felt so relieved and sad at the same time, Cupcakke I love you more than you’ll ever know. You’re one of the sweetest souls I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing and you’re not leaving us. We won’t let it happen.
Cupcakke eventually returned to Twitter to explain herself on Monday night. She said that she is finally getting the help that she needs and thanked fans for their prayers and kind messages.
I’ve been fighting with depression for the longest ..sorry that I did it public last night but I’m ok .I went to the hospital & im finally getting the help that I need to get through , be happy , & deliver great music . thanks for all the prayers but please don’t worry bout me
— Marilyn MonHOE (@CupcakKe_rapper) January 8, 2019
Singer Charli XCX, who has collaborated with Cupcakke in the past (on the song Lipgloss) uploaded a statement directed at the rapper.
Charli tweeted, “Dear Cupcakke, please read this.”
You are one of the most unique, geuine and loving people I have ever met in this industry. You are such a HUGE inspiration to so many kids, so many artists and to me. Whenever you walk into a room or onto a stage you exude so much LOVE and the energy in the room turns electric. You are powerful. People believe in you. People want to listen to every word you have to say. People are inspired. You have taught me and so many others about being ourselves, embracing exactly who we are and being proud of where we come from and what we stand for.
You have so much more to teach. I have read and heard that you are safe now and that someone is looking after you. I hope these reports are accurate. The world would never be the same without you. We all love you SO MUCH Cupcakke. From the bottom of our hearts. Please stay strong. Please confide in friends and family. You are such a beautiful and wonderful person and we simply cannot lose you.
Rapper Iggy Azalea, who recently put up some tweets that concerned her own fans, contacted Cupcakke on Twitter to share support. She said, “I understand how hopeless and overwhelmed with negativity we can sometimes feel.”
Whoops!
We couldn't find this Tweet
American comedian Kathy Griffin responded to Cupcakke’s tweet about wanting to take her own life, by saying, “No ma’am, not on our watch. Keep living. You got the stuff and we got your back.” In another tweet, Griffin wrote: “She’s unique. Cupcakke has something special inside her. Fearlessly herself.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race star Aja was also among those tweeting support for Cupcakke.
I’m so glad @CupcakKe_rapper is okay - such a force, such a sweetie and a talented person who deserves everything. From the bottom of my heart and soul - I am very happy you’re okay and sending beautiful healing vibes your way! Sometimes shit gets tough, but you’re strong af! 💪🏽
— AJA (@ajaqueen) January 8, 2019
American hip hop star Lizzo also wrote, “I feel helpless but I’m celebrating you and sending you as much psychic love as I can.”
If you need to talk, contact:
Samaritans 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
Aware 1800 804848 (depression, anxiety)
Pieta House 1800 247247 or email mary@pieta.ie – (suicide, self-harm)
Teen-Line Ireland 1800 833634 (for ages 13 to 19)
Childline 1800 666666 (for under 18s)
