Influencer and podcast host Jake Shane has rejected being labeled a journalist following widespread criticism of his interview with Kacey Musgraves.

The controversy began after a clip from his Therapuss podcast, which premiered on Netflix on May 6, 2026, went viral on social media.

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In the clip, Shane questioned Musgraves about a lyric from her 2018 song "Slow Burn" that references time zone differences between Tennessee and Beijing.

Shane, 26, said he and his coworker debate the meaning of the line daily.

Musgraves responded that the lyric is straightforward: "It literally just means what it means."

She explained that while the sun sets in Tennessee, people in Beijing are starting their workday.

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Social media users mocked Shane for apparently not understanding basic global time zones.

Shane initially acknowledged the criticism by sharing screenshots of media coverage and social media mockery on his Instagram and TikTok accounts, writing, "We can laugh."

However, as the debate continued over whether celebrity podcast hosts should meet professional reporting standards, Shane drew a clear line.

Shane Defends His Role

"I'm not a journalist," Shane stated on Saturday, May 16, 2026. "There are real journalists out there asking real thoughtful, hard questions."

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He described his podcast as a casual conversation aimed at creating a comfortable environment for guests.

Shane added that equating his format with professional journalism undermines the work of actual reporters.

"It's insulting to journalists to say what I do is journalism," he said.

The criticism also referenced a previous viral moment from a Vanity Fair Oscar's Party, where Shane repeatedly asked actors Julia Fox and Damson Idris if a fictional child character was annoying.

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Shane's comments have sparked renewed discussion about the responsibilities of influencer-hosted interview shows.