Taylor Swift has gone down in my estimation for her reticence to engage with the families of the three little girls who were tragically murdered at a Taylor Swift themed party in Southport UK July 31st 2024.
In fact, she has been conspicuous by her absence in the aftermath of these tragic events.
There has been total radio silence on her behalf. Early reports were that she was "Traumatised".
Oh, I get it. The stakes are high, and the Taylor Swift juggernaut is a valuable commodity. Such a terrible thing to be associated with could be career ending for any other artist.
There is precedence. After the Manchester Arena bombing at an Ariana Grande concert 22 May 2017, I thought that was it, she was finished. However, within days she had rallied the whole music industry behind her and organised a free concert. She phoned her 'mates' and they showed up.
The 'One Love Manchester' was a benefit concert on 4 June 2017, Ariana Grande organised in response to the bombing two weeks earlier. It took place at Old Trafford Cricket Ground and was attended by 55,000 people. Guest stars were Music Biz royalty and included Justin Bieber, the Black Eyed Peas, Coldplay, Miley Cyrus, Mac Miller, Marcus Mumford, Niall Horan, Little Mix, Katy Perry, Take That, Imogen Heap, Victoria Monét, Pharrell Williams, Robbie Williams and Liam Gallagher.
The intention was a demonstration of love overcoming the vile, evil Hatred that the bomber had shown. She may be only pint sized, but Ariana Grande has a huge heart. She turned it around and has gone on to even greater things. Contrast that with Taylor Swift's response, or lack of it, she virtually disappeared.
Two weeks later what has Taylor organized?
It seems to be going wrong for Taylor. She resurfaced in Austria for a series of concerts there but they were cancelled due to a terror threat.
She dodges that and reappears this weekend 18th August for some concerts in London! These concerts will break the record for appearances at London Wembley Arena set by Michael Jackson. So what!
The Google autosuggest spits out songs, decorations, ideas when you type in 'taylor swift party' – it's as if capitalism itself is conspiring to brush this under the rug.
I'm agnostic on her music, I understand she's really popular, but she's a 36 year old singing songs for teenagers. With her status should come some responsibility.
More 'leaked' reports recently say that she has 'reached out quietly to the families of the murdered girls'. But has she? I hope she has but I for one are calling her out for a 'safety first' lukewarm response.