Renowned Singer and Activist Cynthia Basinet Marks 25th Anniversary of The Release of Her Iconic "Santa Baby" by Advocating for Women Threatened by Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence
NEW YORK - November 20, 2025 - Cynthia Basinet, the stunning singer, actress, activist, and media mogul, is observing the 25th anniversary of the online release of her sultry “Santa Baby,” and original misuse by tech companies (illegal file sharing and attribution to Marilyn Monroe). The lack of protection of her privacy and intellectual property has migrated to her entire persona, driving her advocacy against technology-facilitated gender-based violence (#TFGBV). The anniversary coincides with her 18th speech before the United Nations Security Council and the upcoming UN Women's "UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls" campaign, which takes place from November 25 through December 10.
For Basinet, a shared nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize, Advocacy for the Western Sahara and the UN’s #TFGBV event provides a compelling context to raise awareness of the discrimination affecting female performers and artists worldwide. Basinet recorded her uniquely styled version of “Santa Baby,” long considered the industry standard, originated by Eartha Kitt in the 1953, as a gift for love, actor Jack Nicholson.
Subsequently, the entertainment industry has proceeded to utilize her indie artist vulnerability to garner enormous profits against her wishes, leaving her with little recourse due to a lack of legal protections despite her efforts for #ElvisAct and #NoFakesAct. “What happened to me with this song was the beginning of a form of technology-facilitated gender-based violence, in its own way,” explained Basinet.
“While women around the world are facing violent or even lethal threats at the hands of digital attackers, the digitized abuse I’ve suffered from regarding my intellectual property highlights how women are exploited online and in the world of entertainment. It seems that if you’re a woman, you have little right to your creative outputs. This is not fair, and it is a force that impoverishes female artists worldwide. I urge the UN to include similar forms of digital violence in their #TFGBV agenda. Women’s voices will not be silenced by any digital attacks!”
She added, “It’s been heartbreaking to witness the extreme profits generated by this laissez-faire attitude towards this relentless onslaught, while I am unremunerated. At the same time, watched as artists who have borrowed from my style be lauded as mega artists.”
Basinet has parlayed her visibility into her political and social influence. Her impressive career spans modeling in Europe, music videos, commercials, and TV and film. She can be heard on soundtracks like the indie cult classic “Party Monster” and CBS’s “NCISLA.” Apart from her musical accomplishments, Basinet has dedicated herself to creating positive change, including supporting the Saharawi people at refugee camps in Western Sahara and advocating for fair rights, such as those of union workers in the entertainment and other industries.
Basinet is also the author of the book “How to Be Civil In an Uncivil World” and the host of the podcast “The World According to Cynthia.” Currently residing and recording in Nashville, Cynthia is widely regarded as “one of the truly great voices of our time,” often drawing comparisons to legendary country and jazz artists such as Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, dinah washington.
Her latest releases, “You belong to me,” “If every day could be like Christmas,” (the Elvis classic), and heartbreak ballad “biggest fool of all,” were recorded at the famed Hilltop Recording Studios. Her decades of influence extends to contemporary artists like Taylor Swift Selena Gomez Ariana Grande, and Bruno Mars and pop culture worldwide.
For more information, visit
Listen to Cynthia at:
Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. XPRMedia and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact [email protected]
