On Thursday, Taylor Swift achieved a significant milestone when Billboard ranked her as the No. 2 Greatest Pop Star of the 21st Century, a testament to her immense influence in music and culture. However, what should have been a celebratory moment quickly turned into a controversy after the publication shared a tribute video in her honor, which included a clip from Kanye West’s infamous 2016 music video for “Famous.”
The inclusion of the controversial footage, which depicted naked wax figures of Taylor Swift and Kanye West lying together, along with the provocative lyrics implying that Kanye had made Swift “famous,” sparked outrage among Swift’s devoted fanbase, the Swifties. This video segment was particularly tone-deaf given the fraught history between the two artists, beginning with Kanye’s infamous interruption of Swift’s 2009 MTV Video Music Awards speech, and culminating in the 2016 release of “Famous,” which reignited their feud. The song’s lyrics, suggesting Kanye made Swift famous in a derogatory way, were deeply upsetting to her, and she publicly condemned them at the time.
Swift’s fans were quick to voice their anger over the clip, accusing Billboard of disrespecting Taylor by revisiting this painful chapter of her career. The backlash was swift, with fans taking to social media to express their disgust, demanding an apology from the publication. Comments ranged from direct calls for an apology to criticism of *Billboard*’s lack of sensitivity, with one user even calling the decision “shameful.”
In response to the uproar, Billboard removed the clip from their social media accounts and issued an official apology, acknowledging the mistake and apologizing for the harm caused. The statement read, “We are deeply sorry to Taylor Swift and all of our readers and viewers that in a video celebrating Swift’s achievements, we included a clip that falsely depicted her. We have removed the clip from our video and sincerely regret the harm we caused with this error.”
While the apology helped quell some of the backlash, the controversy highlighted the fierce loyalty of Swift’s fanbase. Swifties are known for their passionate defense of the artist, and this incident showed just how protective they are of her. Taylor Swift memes often reflect these moments, capturing her expressions and reactions in ways that resonate with fans. The inclusion of the Famous footage seemed to reignite a painful chapter for Taylor, reminding fans of the public humiliation she endured at the hands of Kanye West.
Moreover, the timing of the tribute when Taylor was ranked No. 2 added another layer of tension. Many Swifties felt that the position was undeserved and that Taylor, with her record-breaking album sales and cultural impact, should have taken the No. 1 spot, especially since Beyoncé, who was awarded the top honor, has also been a subject of intense competition between the two artists.
Despite the controversy, Taylor Swift remains one of the most influential and successful artists of her generation. The passionate support from her fans during the *Billboard* incident only reaffirmed her lasting impact on both the music industry and pop culture. Even as she deals with the occasional setback or public dispute, Taylor’s legacy as a cultural icon is firmly intact, and with the issue addressed, her achievements will continue to be celebrated.
We are deeply sorry to Taylor Swift and all of our readers and viewers that in a video celebrating Swift’s achievements, we included a clip that falsely depicted her. We have removed the clip from our video and sincerely regret the harm we caused with this error.
We are deeply sorry to Taylor Swift and all of our readers and viewers that in a video celebrating Swift’s achievements, we included a clip that falsely depicted her. We have removed the clip from our video and sincerely regret the harm we caused with this error.
— billboard (@billboard) November 28, 2024
