Internet memories are long. Especially when they're messy.
If you've been on TikTok or X lately, you might have seen people throwing around the phrase "sticky situation" in relation to Gracie Abrams. For newer fans who joined the fold during the The Secret of Us era or after seeing her open for Taylor Swift, the context is usually missing. It sounds like a leaked song title or maybe a cryptic lyric from her upcoming 2026 album.
It isn't.
The "sticky situation" refers to a specific, controversial social media post from Gracie's past that continues to resurface every time her career hits a new peak. In 2026, as Gracie prepares to release her third studio album, the discourse hasn't really died down. It just cycles.
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The Post That Started Everything
So, what’s the actual story?
Years ago—specifically around 2017 or 2018—Gracie Abrams posted a screenshot to her Instagram Story. The image was of actor Finn Wolfhard, known for his role as Mike Wheeler in Stranger Things. At the time the photo was taken, Wolfhard was approximately 13 or 14 years old.
Gracie’s caption read: "sticky situation: knowing he's fourteen but still incredibly down."
At the time of the post, Gracie was either 17 or had just turned 18. This age gap, combined with the "incredibly down" comment directed at a child, is what fueled the fire.
The internet doesn't forget.
Even though the post was deleted quickly, screenshots became permanent artifacts. They live in Reddit threads and "receipt" accounts. For some, it was a harmless, albeit cringe-worthy, joke from a teenager. For others, it was a massive red flag regarding boundaries and the sexualization of minors in the industry.
Why Does It Keep Coming Up?
Gracie's career trajectory has been steep. When you move from "indie darling" to "Grammy-nominated pop star," the microscope gets more powerful.
Every time she announces a tour or a new single like "Death Wish," the "sticky situation" screenshots start circulating again. It’s basically become a rite of passage for new fans to "discover" the controversy.
The Apology and the Aftermath
Gracie hasn't ignored it, though she hasn't made it a centerpiece of her brand either.
In 2022, after the screenshot resurfaced during a period of high growth, Gracie reportedly addressed the situation in direct messages with fans and later in a brief social media statement. She described the post as a "careless and wrong joke" made during a time when she didn't fully grasp the weight of her words.
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She hasn't really talked about it since.
Honestly, the "cancel culture" aspect of this is complicated. On one hand, she was a teenager herself when she posted it. On the other, the Power-Dynamics-in-Hollywood conversation has made fans much more sensitive to these kinds of comments.
Moving Toward the 2026 Era
As we head into mid-2026, Gracie is in a different headspace. She recently told People that she is "beyond ready" for her third album to belong to the world. She's been seen at Chanel events and is navigating a very public relationship with Paul Mescal.
The "sticky situation" has largely shifted from a "cancellation" attempt to a "did you know?" trivia fact for her critics.
Most people have moved on.
They’re more focused on whether she’ll release the fan-favorite unreleased track "In Between" or if her next project will feature another Taylor Swift collaboration. The music has, for the most part, drowned out the noise of a poorly judged Instagram Story from nearly a decade ago.
Navigating the Discourse
If you're a fan, how do you handle this?
It's okay to acknowledge that an artist made a mistake. Most people did something stupid at 17; it just wasn't archived on the internet for millions to see. Recognizing the "sticky situation" happened doesn't mean you have to stop listening to Good Riddance on repeat.
Complexity is a thing.
You can enjoy the evolution of her songwriting—which has grown significantly more mature and self-aware—while still understanding why people found her past comments problematic.
What to watch for next:
- GA3 Release Dates: Keep an eye on her official socials for the third album announcement, likely coming in the first half of 2026.
- Live Snippets: Gracie has been testing songs like "Out of Nowhere" and "Crazy Girl" at festivals.
- Tour Announcements: Expect a massive headline tour following the album drop.
The best way to stay informed is to follow her official updates rather than getting lost in the "sticky situation" TikTok loops that often exaggerate the facts for views. Focus on the progression of the artist she is today.