Avril Lavigne broke out in 2002 with her single “Complicated” and quickly became a huge star.

Her pop punk influences and edgy image were a stark contrast to other female artists at the time.

Lavigne soon racked up a number of hits, including “Sk8er Boi,” “Don’t Tell Me,” and “Girlfriend.”

With her recent “Greatest Hits” album and tour, Lavinge’s latest project celebrates her illustrious career.

Taking that project on the road, however, would get off to a rocky start. In one interview, she commented on a bizarre conspiracy theory that has circulated among fans for years. As Lavinge began her “Greatest Hits Tour,” those same fans complained about the setlist and one blogger had a theory as to why this was the case

Avril Lavigne Was Criticized By Fans For Doing Such A Short Show, So She Added More Songs To The Setlist

When Lavigne kicked off her “Greatest Hits Tour” in May 2024, fans on social media weren’t pleased with her performance.

Another fan commented that Lavigne had been ‘singing the same 14-15 songs with no passion at all’ and was ‘sadly doing the absolute bare minimum with no stage presence.’

‘We want to see the same effort that you put on recreating your iconic looks on the way that you perform,’ the same fan tweeted.

Several other fans wondered why Lavigne looked ‘so bored’ or like ‘she doesn’t want to be there.’

‘She looks like she’d rather be anywhere else but there,’ another wrote in reaction to footage of Lavigne performing “The Best Damn Thing.”

Another even wrote, ‘My grandmother has more energy in the grave.’

It wasn’t all negative, however, as some fans did defend Lavigne.

‘Maybe having a bad day? Sheesh!’ a fan tweeted in her defense.

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Gossip blogger Perez Hilton criticized Lavigne’s short setlist, which initially included only 15 songs. He suggested that Lavigne had such a short set, because she brought more than one supporting act on tour. Therefore, he believed her team was doubtful that Lavigne would be able to fill large arenas on her own.

Lavigne did make some changes to the setlist for future dates, however. She ended up adding more songs, doing 18 instead of the previous 15.

Avril Lavigne Discussed A Conspiracy Theory Her Fans Helped Bring Into The Mainstream Press

Conspiracy theories have become even more widespread thanks to the internet. One such theory is that Lavigne isn’t actually herself, or at least hasn’t been since the end of her debut era in 2002.

According to the theory, Lavigne passed away after her “Let Go” era came to a close. However, due to Lavigne’s growing success and popularity, her record label decided to replace her with a body double, Melissa Vandella.

Fans have discussed this theory at great length online. Many YouTube videos, social media posts, and blog entries have circulated picking this theory apart. At one point, it went so viral that mainstream media outlets were covering it.

During her 2024 Call Her Daddy appearance, Lavigne opened up about the theory.

“I mean, it’s just funny to me,” she said. “Like, on one end, everyone’s like, You look the exact same. You haven’t aged a day. But then other people are like, you know, there’s a conspiracy theory that I’m not me.”

Lavigne did try to look on the bright side of the situation.

“I feel like I got a good one,” Lavigne said. “I don’t think it’s, like, negative. It’s nothing creepy.”

Alex Cooper, the podcast’s host, didn’t quite agree with Lavigne’s take that the theory wasn’t “creepy.”

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“Avril, this conspiracy theory about you is a little creepy, come on,” Cooper told the singer.

Lavigne just shrugged it off and made it clear that there was no truth to the theory.

“Obviously, I am me,” Lavigne said. “It’s so dumb.”

Avril Also Got Criticized By Fans For Meet And Greet Photos That Went Viral

In May 2014, Lavigne went viral on social media when pictures from a meet and greet in Brazil showed her standing very far from fans. It got even more attention when it was revealed that the fans spent around $400 to meet Lavigne and get a picture with her.

There were rumors Lavigne imposed a “no touching” rule, which she later explained.

“I do touch my fans,” Lavigne told KiSS 92.5 in Canada. “My fans are very frisky, actually. In some countries where we’ve had security breaches, it’s a little delicate because of things that have happened with stuff I probably shouldn’t get into.”

Lavigne wasn’t kidding, either. In 2011, a fan in Brazil stormed the stage during her concert tour stop in the country. This is most likely the reason fans were standing so far away from Lavigne in the pictures.

Whether intentional or not, Lavigne developed a reputation as someone who keeps their distance from fans. This was proven when, in 2015, Taylor Swift allegedly liked a Tumblr post comparing how she treats her fans with other stars.

The meme featured pictures of Lavigne, Kanye West, Britney Spears, and Katy Perry. While they all seemed distant or disinterested in their fans, Swift was shown to be very affectionate towards her own fans.

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Avril Lavigne later explained there was a good reason fans were asked to keep their distance during a meet and greet.

This was picked up by people on Twitter and Lavigne felt the need to comment on the comparison.

“Comparison is judging and judging a person does not define who they are it defines who you are,” Lavigne wrote. “We all love our fans.”

She added, “So let’s keep it all about the love and stay positive.”