Singer Charli XCX has faced a spate of complaints over the strobing light in the new online trailer she posted on social media for her upcoming film, The Moment.
The 58 second video, posted on 9 October, is a promotion for the film, due to be released in 2026, and features flashing images throughout. It carries a small warning towards the bottom, visible for the first four seconds, warning viewers with photosensitive epilepsy that the content “could cause seizures”.
Online users took to X to raise their concerns, having not seen the warning or finding it too small and quick to be effective. Many commented that they have epilepsy or that they’ve had a seizure.
One user wrote: “This goes on the ‘for you’ page and autoplays, barely any countdown and you cannot see the epilepsy warning because it’s hidden unless expanded, and even then it’s behind the caption.”
Another said: “So there was no warning on this and I just had a seizure, love do something pls,” while another commented: “I’ve never had a seizure but sometimes when videos like this come up I silently brace myself in case today is my day.”
Brand over audience safety
Jon Eaton, director of communications and digital engagement at Epilepsy Action, said: “Charli XCX’s new trailer includes excessive flashing visuals with barely any warning making it dangerous for people with photosensitive epilepsy.
“The warning is tiny, hard to read and disappears too quickly to give viewers a chance to avoid the strobing. This could easily trigger a seizure for someone with epilepsy. With the title of her trailer front and centre, it’s clear that Charli has chosen her brand over her audience’s safety.
“Whilst the Harding test is only mandatory for TV advertising, this advert is an example as to why it should be for online content too.
“Although having a clear trigger warning may help prevent people with photosensitive epilepsy being caught out by videos like these, we’d ask for all brands and celebrities to reconsider their content.
“Firstly, trigger warnings exclude people with epilepsy from this online content. We know that Brat is all about partying and flashy imagery, but was this much strobing necessary? Secondly, as with any trigger warning there is the possibility of people being intrigued and watching more.
“For people with photosensitive epilepsy this volume of strobing is incredibly likely to cause a seizure. We are reaching out to Charli XCX’s agent to ask for this content to be removed. It is not inclusive and downplays the issues of a condition which kills over 1,000 people every year.”
This is not the first time Charli XCX has received backlash for using flashing lights. In a surprise performance in Times Square in November 2024, she used strobing black-and-white text to announce her show with no seizure warning.
The Moment, set to feature Kylie Jenner, will explore fame and industry pressure in a rising pop star.
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