US pop star Olivia Rodrigo has criticized the online backlash over a baby-doll dress she wore during a recent performance, arguing that the controversy reflects the normalization of pedophilia and a tendency to blame girls for being sexualized. The backlash came after Rodrigo wore the dress in the music video for her single ‘Drop Dead’ and during a performance in Barcelona. Critics online described the look as “infantilizing,”   “inappropriate,” and “too Lolita,” while some accused her of wearing “pedo bait” or “dressing like a toddler.” Rodrigo rejected claims that the outfit was intended to be sexual, saying on The New York Times’ Popcast on Wednesday that it was inspired by punk and grunge icons Kathleen Hanna and Courtney Love. She also noted that she had previously worn far more revealing stage outfits without drawing the same reaction and that the pink floral baby-doll dress in question covered more of her body than many of her other looks.…