From Gossip Girl Turmoil to Rock Royalty
Taylor Momsen, once the rebellious Jenny Humphrey on
Gossip Girl, has never shied away from controversy or candor. Now, as the frontwoman of
The Pretty Reckless, she’s making headlines again—this time for her upcoming performance with the surviving members of Soundgarden at their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction this November. But behind the scenes, Momsen’s journey has been anything but glamorous.
Breaking Free: The Gossip Girl Exit
In a recent interview on the
Call Her Daddy podcast, Momsen opened up about her dramatic departure from
Gossip Girl. She described the experience as “killing me,” revealing that the pressures of fame and the relentless schedule pushed her to the brink. “I had to get out of my contract,” she confessed, emphasizing how the decision was crucial for her mental health and creative freedom.
Battling Demons and Finding Redemption
Momsen’s struggles didn’t end with her exit from television. She’s been candid about her battles with depression and substance abuse, especially after the tragic deaths of Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell and her close friend and producer Kato Khandwala. In a heartfelt segment on
Good Morning America, Momsen reflected on her isolation and grief, sharing how music became her lifeline: “I found healing through writing and performing. It saved me”.
Her resilience was tested again in May 2024, when she was bitten by a bat during a live show in Seville, Spain—a bizarre incident that forced her to undergo rabies vaccinations. Yet, she returned to the stage undeterred, proving her commitment to her fans and her art.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: A Full-Circle Moment
This November, Momsen will join Soundgarden’s surviving members for a historic performance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. For Momsen, whose musical influences include Chris Cornell and other rock legends, the event is deeply personal. It marks not only a professional milestone but also a tribute to the artists who shaped her career and helped her overcome her darkest moments.
The Pretty Reckless: Breaking Records and Barriers
Since forming
The Pretty Reckless in 2009, Momsen has shattered expectations. The band’s latest album,
Death by Rock and Roll, made history as the first female-fronted group to score five number one singles on the rock charts. Momsen’s powerful vocals and raw songwriting have earned her respect in a male-dominated industry, inspiring a new generation of rock musicians.
What’s Next for Taylor Momsen?
With her Hall of Fame performance on the horizon and a renewed sense of purpose, Momsen is poised for another chapter. She continues to use her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and creative authenticity. As she told fans, “Don’t be afraid to walk away from what’s hurting you. There’s always a way back to yourself.”
Taylor Momsen’s story is one of survival, reinvention, and rock ‘n’ roll rebellion. As she steps onto the Hall of Fame stage, she’s not just honoring her heroes—she’s becoming one herself.
Sources
1. Taylor Momsen Left Gossip Girl Because 'It Was Killing Me' - YouTube
2. Taylor Momsen - Wikipedia
3. The Pretty Reckless singer Taylor Momsen on battle with depression
