A Modern Scandal

Hi friend,

Very few things can bring this fractured nation together, and last week we witnessed one of them. We’re talking about the Coldplay concert cheating scandal, which unfolded at lightning speed. It started with a clip of a man and a woman swaying and embracing, only to react guiltily when they appeared on the Jumbotron. Soon, sleuths pieced the story together. He was the CEO of an AI company, she was the head of HR, and they were having an affair.

Gleeful public tarring and feathering aside, we were struck by the Coldplay concert of it all. Would this moment have gone viral if they had been captured at a different sort of event? We say no. Coldplay is, and has been, canonically cringe. No other act can match them; they’re in a league of their own. To be caught having an affair on a kiss cam is absurd on its face, but to have it take place at a Coldplay concert was the pièce de résistance.

What is it about Coldplay? They are one of the biggest bands in the world. They’ve won awards and broken records. But the very thing that makes them beloved — their emphasis on humanity and compassion, the sheer earnestness — is also the root of the cringe. (Just listen to these two music nerds talk about it. Oh, you’re too cool for Coldplay? C’mon.) Coldplay makes music that can touch souls. But, in its current pop-EDM, stadium-filling incarnation, the soul being touched might just be that of a high net-worth man who reminds you of your shitty boss. 

Many music writers and rock critics have tried to articulate Coldplay Cringe, but have failed to fully capture it in words.

In an old essay titled “How I came to terms with my Coldplay fandom,” Guardian writer Matthew Cantor shared this. “For more than a decade now, I have harbored a secret — one that I have shared only with my closest friends and family. I avoid discussing the subject for fear of derision from my colleagues and the complete loss of my peers’ respect. But I’m tired of hiding. With the release of their latest album, I’m finally going to publicly admit it: I love Coldplay.”

Loving Coldplay is embarrassing, he acknowledges. Given the ridicule that arises from such a disclosure, there must be something even more magical about attending a Coldplay concert where you are free from sneering culture snobs. Coldplay concerts are (or were) a judgement-free bubble. “A Coldplay show forges an alliance of the uncool,” he says. “Given the adversity we face as Coldplay fans in the outside world, it’s all the more moving to join voices; it’s practically all we can do to keep from joining hands and bawling together at the sheer beauty of it all.”

A middle-aged man was unmasked this week as a cheater, but more than that — as a Coldplay fan. No wonder the response was so vitriolic.

Bye,
Your friends at Gloria

Fay is a total game changer. It’s a platform that helps you connect with a registered dietician to help reach your goals; we love how you can search by specialty, like “perimenopause” or “thyroid health.” It’s amazing — you get personalized advice, and it’s fully covered by insurance.

Find your dietician here. #partner

Lacy shorts, tanks, and skirts are probably the biggest trend of the summer. We’ve seen the look pop up at Bode, Rodarte, and Chloé, among others. These pieces add a bit of casual sexiness when worn dressed down with denim, or with slouchy tops, like the combo above. 14 ways to try the style, below.

• We like the slightly longer length of these flowy shorts. Reformation Fern Satin Short, $148. Size XS to XL.

• Beautiful, but in limited sizes due to markdowns. Rachel Comey Gough Top, $179.40. Size 00 to 12.

• An easy-wearing cotton voile day dress. Gap Lace-Trimmed Tiered Maxi Dress, $102. Size XXS to XXL.

• A pretty yellow pair. Posse Marilyn Short, $160. Size XXS to XXL.

• This skirt sold out, but they’re prepping a restock now. MaisxFrida Lace Skirt, $149. Size S, M, L.

• What a lovely dress. Sea Katharine Dress, $416.50. Size 00 to 16.

• A fancy alternative to a sleeveless tee. Coucou Intimates Two-Pack Iris Tank, $166. Size XXS to XXL.

• Extremely pricey, but so good. Dôen Roselie Tunic, $498. Size XS to XL.

• Into the shape and the color of this linen top. J.Crew Lace-Trimmed Square-Neck Tank Top, $69.50. Size XXS to 3XL.

• A more substantial short option. Cami NYC Eila Short, $150.50. Size XXS to XL.

• Adorable. Free People Forevermore Tank, $78. Size XS to XL.

• A fancy dress, but with the right top you could wear it as a skirt, too. Topshop Cutwork Lace Poplin Midi Sundress, $97. Size 0 to 14.

• We’re into this layering hack. Zara Asymmetrical Combination Knit Top, $69.90. Size S to L.

• The perfect flirty skirt. Staud Nadia Miniskirt, $345. Size XS to XL.

Shop the Story

TO STREAM Time Magazine calls the new Netflix series The Hunting Wives a “bonkers, bisexual, culture-war soap.” It’s based upon the salacious murder mystery novel of the same name, and follows a fish out of water as she navigates the world of a bunch of deranged and horny Texas socialites.

TO SHOP This Cali-based brand came on our radar for its sophisticated, sustainable swimwear, but we are also obsessed with its clothing. The perfect summer capsule wardrobe: take a black one-piece like this or this (or bikini), add a flowy maxi dress to toss over it, and accessorize it with an incredible, fits-everything bag. #partner

TO LISTEN 40 years after its debut, Phil Collins is rereleasing the epic album No Jacket Required. We love this stripped-down version of “One More Night” that he put out ahead of its September on-sale date.

TO BAKE This crumble is simple and tasty way to make use of extra peaches, but you can use most any fruit you have laying around. We like how you precook the crumble topping, so it remains crunchy.

TO CARRY ON Whether you’re jetting off to Tuscany or Thailand this summer, a reliable carry-on is non-negotiable..Take the stress out of travel with the Carry-on X (43 L) — the iF Design award-winning cabin case renowned for its smart packing system and industry-leading durability. Shop it here. #partner

“Huge study reveals two vaccines that appear to reduce dementia risk.” • The push for everyone to be back in the office is adversely affecting women’s career advancement. • Under Tennessee’s 2025 Medical Ethics Defense Act, a woman was denied prenatal care for being unmarried. • An interesting conversation about The Gilded Age’s depiction of Black families.

_{*Gloria may receive an affiliate commission on purchases made through our newsletter.}