Eminem, in a recent interview with Complex, has revealed the motivations behind his alter ego Slim Shady, stating that he created the character to revive his struggling career. However, he criticized Slim Shady for exacerbating his personal issues, including addiction, and claims the persona nearly cost him his career and family. The rapper, who has been sober for 16 years, officially killed off Slim Shady in his twelfth studio album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), released on July 12, 2024. In a surreal video titled Slim Shady vs. Marshall Mathers: The Face-Off, Eminem argued with an AI-generated version of Slim, discussing how sensitivities in society have changed and how his fanbase has matured. Eminem indicated that distancing himself from Slim Shady has led to a much-improved life, suggesting that the character is outdated in today's context. The ongoing feud with Machine Gun Kelly was also referenced, highlighting the tensions that have persisted over the years.