Rina Sawayama Says Teacher Groomed Her at 17, Inspiring Trauma Exploration in New Album

Sawayama reveals in interviews she was groomed by a teacher at age 17, which she realized through therapy.
The experience led her to write the track "Your Age" and album "Hold the Girl" as a way to address the trauma.
She experienced intense anxiety, shame, and detachment from self due to the grooming and slut-shaming.
Writing the album served as an empowering, cathartic experience for Sawayama to share her story.
She hopes to evolve beyond exploring trauma in future creative works and address new themes.