System Of A Down’s John Dolmayan Sparks Backlash Over Misattributed Charlize Theron Claim

System Of A Down drummer John Dolmayan is catching heat online after sharing a misattributed quote about Charlize Theron and calling for the actor to be jailed, igniting backlash across social media.

The situation hinges on a quote that wasn’t even hers, yes it’s a bizarre one (per Lambgoat) .

Dolmayan reshared an Instagram post claiming Theron had said: “My children are all queer…” before adding his own take: “This woman should be in an asylum or jail. These children are being mentally abused, statistically impossible!”

The comment spread quickly, pulling in criticism from fans and observers who pointed out a major issue, the quote being criticised doesn’t belong to Theron at all.

Where the quote actually came from

The line originated from actor Marcia Gay Harden, who said in 2023 (per The PRP): “What drives me is — my children are all queer. My eldest child is non-binary. My son is gay. My youngest is fluid…”

Somewhere along the way, the quote was incorrectly attributed to Theron in viral social posts, that version is what Dolmayan appears to have reacted to, as of now there’s been no public correction or follow up from the System Of A Down drummer addressing the error.

Backlash builds

Dolmayan is no stranger to controversy, often sharing strong political opinions online that divide fans, this latest post has only added fuel, particularly given the call for imprisonment based on incorrect information.

For many in the scene, it’s less about disagreement and more about the spread of misinformation, especially when amplified by high profile figures.

The bigger picture

System Of A Down have long been tied to politically charged messaging, but usually aimed outward at systems of power, this situation flips that script, landing closer to culture war territory than protest.

Whether Dolmayan walks it back or doubles down remains to be seen, For now, the backlash is loud, and the source of it is clear: a quote that never came from the person being targeted.

Follow me for more on the Australian and US Music Scene: