While Greta Thunberg has become a globally recognized figure for her climate activism, her younger sister, Beata Ernman, is increasingly capturing public attention through her burgeoning career in the performing arts. Beata, who also uses the stage name Beata MonaLisa, has recently seen her singing videos go viral online, introducing her to a wider audience. This renewed focus has highlighted the distinct paths the two sisters are forging, with Beata carving out a niche in entertainment rather than direct activism.
From Childhood Performances to Viral Fame
Beata Ernman, now 20 years old, has been involved in the arts from a very young age. She began dancing at the age of three and singing at seven, participating in school shows. Reflecting on her early experiences in an interview, Beata shared that her passion for performing was met with resistance, stating, “I started dancing when I was three and singing when I was seven. I performed in shows at school, and everyone thought I was annoying.” She further elaborated on the challenges she faced, noting, “I was bullied by everyone. Now, the bullies follow me. They’re like, ‘We went to school together.'”
Her professional journey includes a notable role in the 2020 musical “Forever Piaf.” In this production, she performed alongside her mother, opera singer Malena Ernman, portraying a younger version of the iconic French singer Émile Edith Piaf. This experience marked a significant step in her performing career, showcasing her talent on a professional stage.
Navigating Family Legacy and Personal Identity
The public’s awareness of Beata as Greta Thunberg’s sister has brought both opportunities and scrutiny. When asked about her relationship with her famous sibling, Beata offered a concise response to Interview magazine: “I’m not responsible for other people’s lives.” This statement suggests a desire to establish her own identity separate from her sister’s high-profile activism.
The impact of Greta’s activism on her family has been well-documented. In 2019, Greta spoke to Dagens Nyheter about the severe bullying and harassment Beata endured as a consequence of her sister’s global platform. “The one who suffers is my sister. She is 13 years old, and she has been subjected to systematic bullying, threats and harassment,” Greta explained at the time. “The people who write threats and hate to me do it to the whole family, even to her.” Greta expressed concern for Beata’s ability to maintain a normal life, noting, “For my sister at home, who tries to have a daily life…She is much more reachable. There is no support whatsoever; instead she is being constantly discouraged.”
A Fiery Spirit and Empowering Message
Despite her efforts to differentiate herself from the climate movement, Beata Ernman appears to share her sister’s determined and outspoken personality. She has spoken about encountering industry professionals who attempt to exert control over her creative output. “I have many straight male producers who tell me how to sing. They want to feel like they’ve taught me,” she revealed to Interview magazine. “A loud, young female is very provocative, especially to them, because they want to have control.”
Looking ahead, Beata’s upcoming music is set to explore themes of self-discovery and female empowerment. She described her forthcoming album as being about “the freedom of identity and empowering women,” signaling a commitment to using her platform to advocate for personal agency and gender equality.
Family Roots in Performance and Activism
Greta and Beata are the daughters of Malena Ernman, a renowned opera singer, and Svante Thunberg, a screenwriter and producer. The family environment appears to have fostered both artistic talent and a sense of social responsibility.
Malena Ernman, who represented Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2009 with her song “La Voix,” has also been a prominent figure in environmental advocacy. Similar to Greta, Malena has actively campaigned for climate action and was recognized with Sweden’s Environmental Hero of the Year Award in 2017. At the time of the award, she stated, “It is a tremendous honour to be named the Environmental Hero of the Year. My small role in the environmental movement is as a public person trying to lend my voice to those who are not heard in the media noise. No other issue is more important or more difficult to spread.” This shared commitment to environmental causes within the family underscores the complex dynamics between Beata’s artistic pursuits and her family’s broader public engagement.
Conclusion
As Beata Ernman continues to develop her career in music and performance, she is increasingly stepping out of her sister’s shadow. While acknowledging the challenges and pressures that come with a public profile, particularly one linked to a globally influential activist, Beata is focused on building her own artistic identity and conveying messages of empowerment. Her journey highlights the diverse ways individuals can engage with the public sphere, whether through activism or the arts, and the personal strength required to navigate fame and family legacy.
