3 # Taylor Swift and Charli XCX, A Pop Music Face-Off.
The tension between Taylor Swift and Charli XCX started in 2024, when XCX released Sympathy Is a Knife, a song about feeling overshadowed by a bigger female artist. Fans quickly speculated that Swift was the subject, due to hints about a boyfriend’s band and backstage jealousy. XCX tried to clear the air, telling Vulture, “That song is about me and my feelings and my anxiety… when I feel insecure.”
The story took a turn in 2025 when Swift dropped Actually Romantic. Fans noticed lyrics that seemed like a pointed response: “I heard you call me ‘Boring Barbie’ when the coke’s got you brave.” Swift later described the track as reflecting a “one-sided, adversarial relationship” she had realized was happening behind her back. While Charli XCX has stayed calm, Swift’s lyrics suggested she’s the one still holding a grudge.
