HomeTagsPosts tagged with "Taylor Swift"

Taylor Swift

When it comes to public perception, few female artists are as divisive as Taylor Swift.

Some consider her one of the most empowering female voices in the music industry, while others feel 'fairweather feminist' is a more accurate description of the singer .

Taylor, who built an entire brand on the premise of sisterhood, is regularly dragged into conversation regarding the 'authentic feminism' theory.

In recent years, it has been argued that the Swift empire, which ostensibly floats upon a sea of feminist ideals and convictions, has been rendered redundant by Taylor's distinct lack of action on the political front.

And yet, the singer made international headlines in 2016 when she chose to counter-sue radio DJ, David Mueller, for just one dollar after he sued Taylor for defamation on the grounds that sexual assault accusations she levelled against him cost him his job.

Indeed, the 28-year-old singer was recognised by Time magazine as one of their Silence Breakers – women who, last year, spoke out about the culture of sexual harassment and victim blaming

"When the jury found in my favour, the man who sexually assaulted me was court-ordered to give me a symbolic $1. To this day he has not paid me that dollar, and I think that act of defiance is symbolic in itself," Taylor said in the aftermath of the high-profile legal battle.

So, why the constant rolling vitriol against the young female singer?

Well, if the backlash which followed the Women's March on Sunday is anything to go by, It seems the public view Taylor as someone who 'picks and chooses' the elements of feminism which suit her.

Acknowledging the thousands of women which took to streets at the weekend – many of whom were musical peers –  Taylor was the subject of intense criticism for not joining a march herself.

"So much love, pride, and respect for those who marched," she wrote. "I'm proud to be a woman today, and every day."

"As a fan of yours, this is some bullsh*t. You do not get to pick and choose when feminism benefits you," replied one of her followers.

"If you were really for feminism you would have spoken up against Donald Trump instead of just saying to vote on Election Day. But instead you only claim to be a feminist when it benefits you."

"F*ck you," added another. "You stayed quiet all through the election process to ensure your record sales wouldn't fall victim to a divided USA."

Those supporting Taylor argue that it is not an artist's obligation to divulge their political stance, with many referring to the singer's previous responses on the topic.

Speaking to Time magazine six years ago, Taylor said: "I try to keep myself as educated and informed as possible. But I don’t talk about politics because it might influence other people. "

Trending

Taylor Swift takes a lot of heat for simply just being Taylor Swift, but when public attention takes a scary turn and affects those closest to you, it's a reminder of the darker aspects of celebrity life.

Last weekend it was reported that police were trying to warn the pop star about an obsessed fan who claimed he was her boyfriend and needed a gun to 'protect her.'

And now, a stalker that Taylor has taken legal action against before is facing new charges after prosecutors found more emails he sent threatening not just her, but her family as well.

 

A post shared by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) on

TMZ reported that prosecutors uncovered new emails from a man named Frank Andrew Hoover, who's reportedly sent frightening messages to Taylor and her family before.

These new emails were reportedly sent in batches between May 2015 and October 2016, and are apparently full of frightening language, including death threats.

One threatened to 'end all the Swifts on one day,' referring to them as a 'family of devils.' 

The emails are chilling, to say the least.

 

A post shared by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) on

In 2016, the man was arrested in Austin in Texas, for following Taylor when there was a restraining order already out against him.

His fresh charges now include violating a restraining order and stalking.

While it's harrowing enough dealing with incidents like these yourself – the Shake It Off singer has had at least four stalkers over the past two years – she will at least surround herself with top-notch security, so she undoubtedly feels another level of fear when this affects her family.

Trending

It's a well known fact that Taylor Swift goes above and beyond when it comes to showing her fans just how much she appreciates them.

From hosting album listening parties at her private home, to helping struggling fans pay off their student loans, Taylor truly takes joy in giving back to the people who helped her get where she is today. 

And now it looks like she may have just out herself altogether. 

According to reports, the singer bought a house for a homeless fan named Stephanie who was eight months pregnant. 

Homeless, pregnant, and trying to cope with her boyfriend's unemployment, Stephanie found her self in an extremely tough situation. 

The superfan was due to attend Taylor's concert in Manchester when her mum decided to ask Taylor to make her feel special at the show.

But of course, Taylor being Taylor, she did so much more than that. 

Stephanie recently posted the full story on the singer's new app The Swift Life: 

"I’ve been contemplating posting this story for a while. I’ve finally decided to tell you all what Taylor did for me this night. What many of you don’t know is that for 8 months of my pregnancy I was homeless.

"Long story short our first flat was condemned for health and safety reasons and we lost everything.

"To add to the stress, during this time Matthew lost his job. My mum told Taylor and just asked her to make me feel special at her show I was attending in Manchester.

"After the show Taylor took us back to her dressing room where she told me, 'Stephanie, You’ve been in my life for a long time and you’ve never asked me for anything," Stephanie wrote.

"'You could have reached out and I would have helped you. But you didn’t. You’re mum told me.'

"She told me she wanted to give me the money back for my ticket that night," the fan wrote.

"What she actually did was help us buy a home and all I needed for my baby. She told me, 'I want you to be able to enjoy your little girl, not have to worry about all this stuff.'

"That night she gave me her hand and lifted me off the ground. "The same way she’s done for 12 years. I love her forever. #SwiftStories #Taymoji #MySwiftStory."

Such an amazing story!

Trending

Four months ago, Taylor Swift was awarded a symbolic one dollar in compensation after winning her sexual assault case against DJ David Mueller.

The DJ attempted to sue Taylor after he claimed that he had lost his job after Taylor accused him of groping her at an event in 2013.

The jury came back with a guilty verdict after Taylor counter sued him for the symbolic sum. 

 

A post shared by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) on

Now, according to the Associated Press, the former DJ has attempted to use his settlement fine as one last f*** you to the pop sensation. 

He sent Taylor a coin featuring a Native American woman via post last week, according to his statement.

Mueller intended the coin to be one last attempt to insult the singer, after she called the case a 'win for all women.'

 

A post shared by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) on

'It means 'no means no' and it tells every woman they will decide what will be tolerated with their body,'Taylor's attorney said, according to The Independent via Reuters at the time.

Hmmmm… we're not so sure that Taylor got the message. 

In a recent interview with Time magazine (in which she was named one of Time's people of the year) the Bad Blood songstress said that she never received the coin. 

Trending

In August of this year, Taylor Swift testified in court against DJ David Mueller, who sexually assaulted her during a meet and greet in 2013.

The court heard that Mueller placed his hand under the singer's skirt and despite Taylor attempting to create distance between herself and him, Mueller did not release his grasp.

The high-profile court case made headline all over the world, with millions championing Taylor's courage and candour during her testimony.

Indeed, Time magazine has chosen to recognise the Shake It Off singer as one of their Silence Breakers – women who, this year, spoke out about the culture of sexual harassment and victim blaming.

Speaking to the acclaimed publication, Taylor insisted that victim-blaming has no place in society, saying: "You should not be blamed for waiting 15 minutes or 15 days or 15 years to report sexual assault or harassment, or for the outcome of what happens to a person after he or she makes the choice to sexually harass or assault you."

Taylor believes that, unfortunately, being able to navigate this attitude is vital, saying: "I would tell people who find themselves in this situation that there is a great deal of blame placed on the victims in cases of sexual harassment and assault."

"You could be blamed for the fact that it happened, for reporting it and blamed for how you reacted. You might be made to feel like you’re overreacting, because society has made this stuff seem so casual."

"My advice is that you not blame yourself and do not accept the blame others will try to place on you," she urged.

Contemporary commentary would have you believe that we have turned a corner in this regard, but Taylor is eager to remind the public that there is still a long way to go.

"Even though awareness is higher than ever about workplace sexual harassment, there are still so many people who feel victimized, afraid and silenced by their abusers and circumstances," she asserted.

"When the jury found in my favour, the man who sexually assaulted me was court-ordered to give me a symbolic $1. To this day he has not paid me that dollar, and I think that act of defiance is symbolic in itself."

Trending

If you weren't lucky enough to get your hands on a ticket to Taylor Swift's upcoming Irish gig in Croke Park, fear not because you're in with another chance!

Due to phenomenal demand, the Look What You Made Me Do singer has added extra dates to her Reputation tour, and this includes Dublin.

After playing to thousands of Irish fans on June 15 next year, Taylor will return to the stage the following night to do it all over again.

If you want in on the action, you need to bring your A-game on Friday December 8 when the next batch of tickets go on sale.

Oh, and FYI, subscribers of TaylorSwift.com will have access to purchase tickets in advance beginning Wednesday December 6.

 May the odds be ever in your favour, ladies.

Trending

Taylor Swift fans, prepare to freak out.

The country-turned-pop starlet is taking her Reputation tour to the Emerald Isle.

Sure to be peppered with snake symbolism and narrative exclusion, Tay will be performing at Dublin's Croke Park.

Playing to a capacity of 73,500, the star will be here for one night only on June 15, 2018.

With absolute bangers like Look What You Made Me Do, Gorgeous, and Are You Ready For It? being hugely successful in the Irish charts, her Reputation tour is sure to sell out fast.

Tickets are on sale next Friday, December 1, at 9am.

 

A post shared by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) on

However, Subscribers of TaylorSwift.com will have access to tickets in advance from Wednesday November 29.

Happy ticket hunting.

Trending

Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran are known to be firm friends. 

The pair have previously collaborated together on one of their most successful songs to date, Everything Has Changed.

With that in mind, it wasn't all that surprising when rumours began swirling that Sheeran might make an appearance on Taylor's brand new album. 

 

A post shared by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) on

Taylor's hotly anticipated new album Reputation has been in the works for month, with a pretty amazing social media promotion behind it. 

It was on Swift's Instagram that fans first saw the news that Ed Sheeran would be featuring on one of her new songs. 

The track list shows that song two, End Game, is a collaboration between Taylor and Ed.

Rapper Future will also make an appearance on the track. 

Fans have been awaiting the 15 song track list for month, and with two days to go until her album drops, this news is sure to rile them up further. 

We're dying to hear the pair's latest collab. 

Trending

Old Taylor might be dead, but new Taylor is very much alive – and she has the app to prove it.

In her latest attempt at world domination, the 27-year-old singer has announced that she is launching her very own social media app called The Swift Life, which promises to offer fans a host of exclusive content including photos, videos and music, as well as a selection of Taymojis (Taylor-themed emojis to me and you).

The app is described as “a creative, inclusive and community-driven place for users to better connect with each other… and Taylor”.

The Look What You Made Me Do singer revealed the news in a 30-second YouTube clip yesterday, in which she told fans she had “something pretty awesome” she wanted to share.

“I think you guys are really gonna like this. I mean, I hope. It would be preferable if you did.”

Needless to say, fans were pretty excited about the news:

While no official release date has been set, fans have been told they can expect The Swift Life to hit app stores sometime in late 2017. 

Trending

While fans of Taylor Swift may have had mixed reactions to her latest material, it looks like road safety authorities in the US have found a pretty interesting way of using her lyrics to promote safe driving.

The Iowa Department of Transport has cleverly adapted a line from Taylor's Look What You Made Me Do as part of its “zero fatalities” campaign, which encourages road user to put down their phones while driving.

Overhead signs now read: "I'm sorry, the old Taylor can't come to the phone right now.. she's driving.”

A spin on the original lyric: "I'm sorry, the old Taylor can't come to the phone right now.. Why? 'Cos she's dead."

 

Iowa road signs for the WIN.

A post shared by Pattimurin (@pattimurin) on

With a new theme rolled out every week, drivers are encouraged to send in safety messages to appear on the state's 70 overhead boards.

According BBC Newsbeat, the messages must be short and sweet in order to catch drivers' attention, and must not exceed 18 characters.

And this isn't the first time road users got creative with their submissions.

Last year's Pokemon Go craze was also used to highlight the high number of road fatalities, while Star Wars references were all the rage in 2015.

Hands up who would love to see these on the M50!

Trending

Taylor Swift is officially back after taking a social media sabbatical by deleting all of her accounts. 

Taylor has been leaking some mysterious videos on her empty pages, featuring snakes.

In case you have been living under a celeb-repelling rock, it is believed that the snakes are a homage to Kim Kardashian's previous emoji comment last year. 

Since leaking the videos, Taylor, has actually launched a brand new single, Look What You Made Me Do, which she revealed she will be performing at the VMAs this coming Sunday.

In the clip she leaked about the VMAs, Taylor can be seen on a throne of snakes and dressed in reptile-inspired couture.

She also dons an intricate snake ring, which fans have become obsessed with. Never one to leave her fans wanting for much, Taylor is now selling the rings on her online store, and they're actually not too pricey for a piece of celeb bling at sixty quid. 

Taylor is clearly taking back control of the narrative and reclaiming the snake symbol, an emoji which was used as a massive insult towards her last year.

While it definitely looks like it's a directed dig at Kim K, at least Taylor is taking a stand for herself. 

Taylorswift.com

What are your thoughts on Taylor's snakey comeback? 

 

Trending

Taylor Swift shocked fans earlier this week by deleting the entirety of her social media accounts. 

There is major speculation that this wipe out means that Taylor is planning something big, like a new album.

Now, the country music-turned-pop songstress has had her fandom in uproar, as she has began leaking videos of what see to be snakes onto her Instagram.

 

A post shared by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) on

The second video has already been viewed almost three million times, and it was only uploaded this afternoon.  

The Taylor Swift fandom is essentially writhing in excitement and agony as they wait in anticipation for the announcement of whatever it is Taylor is plotting. 

Fans cannot help but point out how Taylor is using Kim Kardashian's snake emoji slagging to her advantage in the launch of whatever these videos lead up to. 

Most fans think that Taylor will drop new music this coming Friday.

Others have said that the snake-like creature looks like it could be a dragon thanks to the pronounced scales covering the body of the creature. 

Whatever is happening, it's bound to be something big. 

Director Joseph Kahn also tweeted a smiley face in response to the videos. 

Kahn has directed a number of Tyalor's music videos before, so fans are hoping that this confirms the new music rumours. 

Trending