Billboard Apologizes to Taylor Swift After Fan Backlash

Billboard faced backlash from Taylor Swift fans this week over a video celebrating her career. The Instagram post, accompanying Swift’s No. 2 spot in Billboard’s rankings, sparked controversy for including a clip from Ye’s 2016 Famous music video.

The clip depicted a nude wax figure of Swift, referencing her yearslong feud with Ye (formerly Kanye West) and Kim Kardashian.

Outraged Swifties took to X (formerly Twitter), using the hashtag #BillboardIsOverParty to voice their frustration, citing the clip as disrespectful and unnecessary. The backlash led Billboard to remove the clip and issue an apology.

“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,” Billboard wrote. “We 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

The incident highlighted the strong support of Swift’s fans and the sensitivity surrounding her legacy, as Swifties continue to advocate for her respect and recognition.