Claims of Taylor Swift not performing in red states following Donald Trump’s U.S. presidential election victory have spread like wildfire on Facebook. It was reported that the Cruel Summer singer took to Instagram to state that she can do so “in good conscience” as she did not want to bring her music to places with “regressive leaders.” Despite the rumors going viral online, it is worth noting that it is not true.
Facebook pages like The Patriots Network and SpaceX Fanclub took to the social networking site on November 10 to share the aforementioned note. The former also shared a link to a SpaceX Mania website that reported on the same. As per the website, Taylor Swift said on Instagram:
“This is a personal and painful choice. But as someone who believes in equality and love, I simply can’t perform in states where those values aren’t upheld. I encourage all my fans to think about the world we’re building and how we can create spaces for unity and progress.”
The website also claimed that hashtags like “Come Back Taylor” and “Swifties For All” began trending online following Taylor Swift’s announcement. It was also reported that Swift was introducing a line of merchandise that was available only “in select blue states and through her official online store, which now restricts sales to specific zip codes.”
As the claims take social media by storm, it is worth noting that it is not true. The reports originated from a website that specializes in satirical news, meaning that they publish stories that are not real.
Taylor Swift did not announce that she will not perform in red states anymore
Claims of Taylor Swift’s new way of performing were originally reported on the SpaceX Mania website. If one reads the About Us section of the website, it will be revealed that the news they publish is not true. They also confirmed that their posts are purely satirical. Their website reads:
“Our mission? To bring you the freshest fake news, some sassy analysis, and a good dose of satire, all rolled into one crazy concoction that orbits around Elon Musk and everything that’s lighting up the viral/ trending charts.”
Furthermore, the SpaceX Fanclub Facebook page wrote in their Taylor Swift post, “THIS IS SATIRE,” confirming that the news is not true.
If one goes to Taylor Swift’s Instagram page, they will not find any posts where the singer has stated that she will not be performing in red states anymore. Hence, it is safe to say that the news is not true.
Swift endorsed Liberal candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris months before the election. She took to Instagram to say:
“I’m voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them.”
Swift’s Harris-Walz endorsement led many fans to voice their support for Harris as well, including a fan-led campaign group called Swifties for Kamala appearing online. The group managed to raise over $200,000 for Harris’ campaign as of the middle of October.