Australian singer Amy Shark has responded to renewed scrutiny over past remarks criticizing the National Rugby League's treatment of music artists.
The controversy resurfaced after video clips from an April 2025 AFL Gather Round event circulated online.
In the footage, Shark, whose real name is Amy Billings, told VIP guests that she had NRL "pushed in front of me" and suggested AFL organizers better understood music performers.
She also directly criticized the league's handling of musical talent, saying, "screw them" and that they "just screw around artists."
Following the initial public reaction last year, Shark addressed the viral situation on social media without issuing a formal retraction.
She reaffirmed her position on industry compensation, stating, "The truth is, this is not an apology, the NRL don't pay artists enough.
They don't understand performances, production. They don't invest."
Shark also maintained that her venue remarks were tailored to suit her corporate audience at the time.
"I love the game. Always have.
I was playing at a corporate. I'm good at corporates.
I was just playing to the room baby. It really isn't a big deal.
We all need to chill," she said.
To counter recent backlash, Billings published a video clip showing herself supporting the Brisbane Broncos during a 2025 match to confirm her ongoing support for the sport.
Billings is scheduled to join an all-Australian musical lineup including members of The Screaming Jets, Grinspoon, Peking Duk, and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers before the Newcastle Knights face the Sydney Roosters at Accor Stadium.
The musicians plan to perform Gerry and the Pacemakers' rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone" during a tribute lap for retiring South Sydney Rabbitohs player Jai Arrow following his diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease.
Performance fees from the participating musical acts will be directed to MND charity causes, while Australian Rugby League Commission chair Peter V'landys stated standard headline entertainment funds are being redirected to grassroots rugby league development.
