A new culture war has erupted online after a viral video shared by former MSNBC host Joy Reid claimed that the beloved New Year’s song “Happy New Year,” best known through ABBA’s iconic recording, has racist roots. The allegation, which surfaced just days before the arrival of 2026, has ignited fierce debate across social media and news platforms worldwide.
The video, which quickly racked up millions of views, asserts that the song originated as a form of mockery toward Black people. According to the clip, early versions of the tune were allegedly used by white performers in the early 20th century to ridicule Black communities who sought to celebrate the New Year with optimism and dignity. The narrator suggests that the song’s cheerful melody and upbeat tone masked a deeper message of exclusion and derision.
Joy Reid amplified the controversy by reposting the video on Instagram and X, adding a brief but pointed caption: “Another holiday tradition with a past we shouldn’t ignore. Our celebrations often come with histories worth examining.” Her endorsement propelled the video even further into the spotlight.
In the footage, a historian stands beside a plaque marking the song’s early history, claiming that archived sheet music and performance notes show the tune was used in minstrel-style acts. These performances allegedly portrayed Black people as naïve or aspirational figures, implying that happiness and renewal were privileges denied to them in a deeply unequal society. The video argues that ABBA’s 1980 hit version helped erase these origins, allowing the song to be embraced globally without scrutiny.
Reaction online was swift and polarized. Hashtags like #CancelHappyNewYear and #DefendNewYearTraditions surged to the top of trending lists. Supporters of Reid praised her for confronting what they described as uncomfortable truths, with activists arguing that traditions should be reconsidered if they are rooted in harm. Critics, however, dismissed the claim as exaggerated or fabricated, accusing progressives of trying to undermine harmless celebrations.
Conservative commentators also weighed in. On Fox News, Sean Hannity blasted the controversy, framing it as part of a broader attack on cultural traditions. “Now New Year’s songs aren’t safe either?” he said, calling the outrage absurd. Meanwhile, social media filled with memes mocking the situation, including images of ABBA members looking baffled and videos of people defiantly playing the song at full volume during New Year’s parties.
Public figures added fuel to the fire. Rapper and activist Killer Mike expressed cautious support, saying that confronting history does not necessarily mean rejecting the music itself. Country singer Jason Aldean took the opposite stance, insisting the song represents universal hope and should be left untouched.
The debate has begun to affect real-world decisions. Some radio stations in cities like New York and Los Angeles reportedly removed “Happy New Year” from their playlists after listener complaints. Event organizers are also reconsidering their music choices, with one anonymous Times Square planner joking nervously, “We’re sticking to ‘Auld Lang Syne’—that one should be safe.”
Experts remain divided. Dr. Elena Vargas, a music historian at Harvard, noted that while ABBA’s version is celebratory, it’s not unusual for older folk traditions to include elements of appropriation or mockery. Others, like pop culture analyst Mark Thompson, argue the accusations stretch credibility and risk trivializing genuine historical injustices.
As New Year’s Eve approaches, the controversy shows no sign of fading. Related posts have generated hundreds of millions of views, with users sharing personal memories tied to the song. One widely shared post reads, “My Black grandmother loved ABBA and played this song every New Year. Calling it racist takes away her joy and choice.”
Reid has continued to engage with critics, emphasizing that questioning history is not the same as erasing happiness. Still, detractors accuse her of fueling outrage for attention following her departure from MSNBC earlier this year.
This latest dispute follows similar debates over holiday music in recent years, from consent concerns surrounding “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” to accusations of colonial themes in other classics. But the timing of this claim—so close to New Year’s celebrations—has turned it into a major flashpoint.
As people around the world prepare for fireworks, countdowns, and midnight toasts, one question lingers: will “Happy New Year” remain a staple of the season, or will 2026 mark the beginning of its decline? In today’s viral age, even the most familiar melodies can become battlegrounds. When the clock strikes midnight, the music playing in the background may sound just a little different this year.
Happy New Year—or so the debate goes.
