#AskThicke Wasn’t Expecting This

Presented by VH1, Robin Thicke’s ask me anything fan interview on Twitter didn’t quite go as planned and has become a lesson in how not to promote an artist.

Photo: Paul Morigi / Invision / AP

Patriot Center, Fairfax, Va.

The idea was simple enough. Fans could send their queries to the singer via #AskThicke. However, when an artist whose music has been criticized for supposedly containing sexist diatribes promoting rape and misogyny agrees to accept questions from the multitudes, you can bet the session isn’t necessarily going to be a press agent’s finest moment.

What form of sexual or emotional abuse will you be normalising in your next jaunty hit? #AskThicke

— Scriblit (@Scriblit) June 30, 2014

#AskThicke Are you an actual predator or just a profoundly boring man desperately trying and failing to make erotically-charged music?

— linkshund (@linkshund) July 1, 2014

#AskThicke did you know that women were allowed to have their own opinions and publicly express them before this hashtag? I’m guessing not

— Dean Burnett (@garwboy) July 1, 2014

What were the other options available to you for your lifestyle choice on the day you decided misogynistic arse was the best one? #AskThicke

— Sandy on that island (@SidneyKidney) July 1, 2014

And when did you decide that the Creepy PE Teacher look was the style for you? #AskThicke

— Scriblit (@Scriblit) June 30, 2014

#AskThicke What’s it like being the human personification of a mid life crisis?

— TechnicallyRon (@TechnicallyRon) July 1, 2014

#AskThicke Did anyone on your team have the sense to warn you this would be a terrible idea?

— Jamie McKelvie (@McKelvie) July 1, 2014