Robin Thicke’s #AskThicke Hashtag Completely Backfired

Talk about a promotional stunt gone wrong.

In order to promote Robin Thicke’s new album Paula (out Tuesday), VH1 organized a Q&A with the singer for 1:30 EST on July 1. And ahead of the Q&A session, they requested that fans submit their questions on Twitter using the #AskThicke hashtag. Though under ordinary circumstances this might seem like a great way to connect fans to a celebrity, Thicke isn’t an ordinary pop star — in fact, much of his time in the spotlight has been mired with controversy.

Whether it’s coming under fire for the questionable lyrics found in “Blurred Lines” (sample line: “I know you want it”) or being photographed groping fans, Thick has developed a reputation for being a total sleaze. Even his latest stunt, which has involved a very public campaign to win back his estranged wife, actress Paula Patton — to whom his new album is dedicated — hasn’t scored him any points, as most people have derided it for being creepy and manipulative.

So it’s hardly surprising that the #AskThicke hashtag was quickly hijacked by critics, who seized on the opportunity to share some of their opinions of the singer. Soon the #AskThicke timeline was inundated with queries about misogyny, plays on some of Thicke’s more ridiculous lyrics and cracks about his relationship with Patton.

In fact, when searching the hashtag on Twitter, it’s pretty much impossible to find a single tweet from a genuine fan amongst the tweets from Thicke’s critics, not to mention those who just happen to find the whole derailed hashtag hilarious.

Then again, in terms of publicity, #AskThicke has drawn even more attention to Thicke. But it doesn’t seem likely that the spotlight will help the singer in his quest to win back Patton — or in his quest to sell albums.