Sia's film Music was labelled controversial and offensive. The criticism left Sia feeling "suicidal".

This post deals with suicidal ideation and might be triggering for some readers.

Sia Furler has always had a complicated relationship with fame.

The ultra-private Australian singer-songwriter has spent years masking herself from attention with long-fringed wigs and comically large hats.

But despite her best efforts to fend off fame, Sia found herself at the centre of a social media storm. 

It all began when the trailer for Sia's directional debut, Music, was released in late 2020.

Watch the trailer for Sia's film, Music, below. Post continues after video.

Produced, directed and co-written by Sia, Music is a story about a newly sober drug dealer (Kate Hudson) who finds herself the sole guardian of her sister (Maddie Ziegler), a teenager who lives with additional needs.

When the trailer was released, criticism mounted over the casting of Maddie Ziegler, an 18-year-old dancer who achieved worldwide fame through her performances in Sia's music videos. 

On social media, advocates expressed their disappointment the role wasn't given to a neuro-diverse actor. In response, Sia fiercely defended her decision.

"I actually tried working with a beautiful young girl non verbal on the spectrum and she found it unpleasant and stressful. So that's why I cast Maddie," she wrote.

In response, one user wrote: "Several autistic actors, myself included, responded to these tweets. We all said we could have acted in it on short notice. These excuses are just that: excuses. The fact of the matter is zero effort was made to include anyone who is actually autistic."

On website Rotten Tomatoes, the film had an average rating of 3.9/10. The website's critic consensus read: "Offensive in its depiction of autism - and painfully misguided in essentially every respect - Music is a vanity project that begs to be turned down." 

In reviews, critics described the film as "embarrassingly out of touch".

If you or someone you know requires assistance or support contact Lifeline: 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467, Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or talk to your GP or health professional. In an emergency call 000.

This article was originally published on February 18, 2021, updated on February 21, 2021 and updated on January 20, 2022.

Feature Image: Atlantic Films/AAP.