Using the hashtag 'Speak Up Now,' Swifties demand that the pop star should 'reflect on the impact of your own and your associates' behavior and engage in genuine reflection' amid racist allegations against her rumored BF.
- May 20, 2023
AceShowbiz - While Swifties have been known as one of the most loyal fanbases, they can't help but meddle in her current relationship rumors. Taylor Swift fans have launched an online campaign asking her to distance herself publicly from her alleged new boyfriend Matty Healy, whom many deem to be problematic.
As to why they resent Matty, the British musician has faced controversies over bigoted and racist remarks and jokes. In a February episode of "The Adam Friedland" podcast, his friend recalled walking in on him masturbating to what Adam described as "hardcore pornography" from Ghetto Gaggers, which is a porn site known for videos featuring the humiliation and brutalization of mostly black women.
In the same episode, The 1975 frontman impersonated Japanese people working in concentration camps, disparaged the indigenous Scots language while conflating it with the Scottish accent, and mocked Hawaiian, Inuit and Chinese accents in an attempt to guess Bronx rapper Ice Spice's heritage.
Matty has since said he's "kind of a bit sorry" for the Ice Spice comments. "I don't want anything like that misconstrued to be mean," he said during a concert in New Zealand. "I don't mind being a bit of a joker... It's OK for me to be, like, a trickster or whatever, but I don't want to be seen as, like, being barmy."
But Matty's apology wasn't enough for Swifties. Using the hashtag "#SpeakUpNow," they penned an open letter asking Taylor to atone for her rumored association with the rock star. Accusing Matty of "actions [which] contribute to the perpetuation of hate, stereotypes, and objectification," the letter asked the Grammy winner to push back publicly on Matty's controversies.
"While individuals have the right to make their own choices and form relationships," the letter read, "we believe that is essential for those in the public eye to take a stand against discrimination and hold themselves and their associates accountable... Staying silent about actions that perpetuate hatred and contribute to systemic oppression undermines the progress that was made towards equality and understanding."
The letter demanded "more than a simple apology" from Taylor. "Use your platform responsibly and intentionally. Advocate for inclusivity, celebrate diversity, and promote empathy and understanding. Challenge harmful ideologies and inspire followers to join you in creating a more just and equitable world," it continued.
Replying to the letter, one fan shared a receipt of order cancellation for her upcoming "Speak Now (Taylor's Version)" album. "Taylor, your silence on drag bans, transphobic laws, homophobic fans, and the grossness of the person you've chosen to associate with have really hurt," the fan wrote. "While I'm no longer sure that you care about any of that, I do know that you care about sales. Pay attention! Please be better."
Despite the mounting pressure from fans, all signs show that Taylor and Matty's budding relationship continues to heat up. On Thursday night, May 18, he was caught rushing into her New York City apartment.
In a video uploaded by a TikTok user, the 34-year-old was seen running up the stairs and entering the main lobby of the "Anti-Hero" singer's apartment building while someone held the door open for him. The rocker carried a duffle bag and wore a dark sweater with dark jeans and white sneakers.
