Franchesca Ramsey’s “Leopards Eating People’s Faces Party” Song Emerges from Viral Political Events

In the dynamic realm of TikTok, creator Franchesca Ramsey has gained attention for her ukulele-driven, satirical song themed around a fictitious political party: the “Leopards Eating People’s Faces Party.” While the catchy tune initially appears playful, it is deeply rooted in real-life events that sparked its creativity, notably an incident involving gay Black conservative influencer Rob Smith.

Context: Rob Smith’s Recent Experience

In December 2023, Rob Smith attended the Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona, where he reported being confronted by attendees who allegedly used racial and homophobic slurs against him. This incident was shared across social media platforms and garnered significant attention, amassing over 6.2 million views. In subsequent interviews, including one with CNN’s Abby Phillip, Smith described the experience as frightening and labeled it a “hate crime.” Interestingly, while condemning the attack, he attributed the behavior of the attackers to a mere subset of “bad faith actors,” rather than addressing the broader implications of Republican rhetoric or policies.

Inspiration for the Song

Upon learning about Smith’s experience, Ramsey recalled a viral tweet from illustrator Adrian Bott that resonated deeply following the 2016 Presidential election: “I never thought leopards would eat MY face,” a statement by a fictitious woman lamenting her choice to support a disastrous political scenario. This tweet became emblematic of regret among voters after the election results unfolded. Over the years, the subreddit r/LeopardsAteMyFace has continued to share stories reflecting the consequences of individual voting decisions, amassing a fan base of 1.3 million members.

Instead of simply sharing Bott’s tweet, Ramsey responded to the situation musically, blending the tweet’s essence with a catchy gospel tune on her ukulele. Her song, titled “I Never Thought (The Leopards Would Eat My Face),” incorporates lyrics borrowed from the original tweet, mixed with her own poignant observations, including the line, “We bonded over bigotry but they weren’t supposed to turn on me.”

The Song’s Impact on TikTok

Since its debut in December 2023, Ramsey’s song has gained traction and has been widely used across TikTok, often accompanying videos of Trump supporters facing the repercussions of various policies that adversely affected them, like trade tariffs and job losses. Ramsey’s catchy tune has become synonymous with the fallout and regrets of these voters, prompting frequent requests in the comments for her insights or musical contributions related to new political events.

A Nuanced Take on Political Humor

Ramsey emphasizes that her comedic efforts serve as a source of lightness during a tumultuous political landscape. In an interview with Rolling Stone, she expressed, “People are realizing that there are consequences to their vote… They just didn’t think they would hurt them, and that’s why they didn’t care.” Despite the serious undertones of her content, Ramsey sees the humor in these occurrences as a form of resilience amidst chaos.

Ramsey’s Stance on Accountability

In light of the frustrations surrounding former Trump supporters who express regret, Ramsey is unyielding about her approach. She does not feel obligated to soften her commentary for those who have historically perpetuated harmful policies. “If people are willing to admit that they made a mistake and they want to learn, they can absolutely do that,” she explains, but adds that it is not her responsibility to console those who have only now become aware of the negative impacts of their choices.

Expanding the “Leopards” Theme

Ramsey’s focus on political commentary through humor continues to evolve. She has further developed her content by incorporating new versions of her “leopard” songs in response to ongoing political events, including a full version featuring a gospel choir and plans for a mariachi rendition in collaboration with the queer band Mariachi Arcoiris. Ramsey’s commitment to using humor as a reaction to political decisions remains steadfast.

She states, “I do not care. I’m going to sing my song and get these jokes off on you.” This declaration encapsulates her belief that laughter can be a powerful tool in discussing and dispersing the often harsh realities of today’s political climate.