Saweetie may be making waves in Hollywood with her role on Starz’s hit series BMF, but she isn’t letting her music career take a back seat. In a recent conversation, the rapper opened up about the unique challenges she faces as an artist often celebrated more for her beauty than her craft.

The 31-year-old rapper and entrepreneur, born Diamonté Harper, joined Nessa Diab on Hot 97’s Nessa On Air on September 9, where she reflected on how “pretty privilege” can quickly turn into what she calls “pretty punishment.”

“I saw it on TikTok. They were like, they talk about pretty privilege but don’t talk about pretty punishment,” Saweetie explained. “There been so many times I’ve been counted out, you know. And I know that it’s behind animosity. I know it’s because of a hidden agenda. But it makes me work harder.”

Saweetie on Beauty, Bias, and Resilience

Since her 2017 viral breakout with Icy Grl, Saweetie has faced ongoing scrutiny about her lyrical ability, even as she built a loyal fan base and scored major collaborations. Her comments shed light on how being viewed as “too pretty” can invite skepticism, envy, and harsher criticism—particularly for women navigating a male-dominated industry.

Her term “pretty punishment” resonated with fans online, sparking broader conversations about how appearance-based judgments can undermine credibility. While beauty can open doors, Saweetie pointed out that it also attracts bias and animosity that she must constantly overcome.

Still, she refuses to let negativity derail her ambitions. Alongside her acting roles, Saweetie has launched business ventures, secured big-name features, and consistently pushed forward as a multifaceted creative.

Nessa summed it up during the interview: “By acknowledging the hate, but turning it into fuel, Saweetie shows how determined she is to keep pushing forward.”

Focused on Growth

For Saweetie, the setbacks have only strengthened her drive. She wants her career to stand as proof that artistry goes beyond appearances.

“I’ve been counted out so many times,” she emphasized. “But it only makes me work harder.”

 

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As caught by The Shade Room, she took the time to put an outlet on blast for how they worded their headline from the interview. The blog stated, “Saweetie claims her pretty face is the only thing holding her back from success in music because she’s consistently facing ‘pretty punishment.'”

She clapped back, “i drop an interview and get a RISE out of b*tches! for what? bc of misinterpreted clickbait headlines. i am very successful glory to God! however, on the other hand I’ve been counted out and have dealt with a lot of micro aggressions. enough talking tho I would love to break this down w the right interviewer.”