In a heartfelt interview with TIME, Taylor Swift, the iconic pop superstar and TIME’s 2023 Person of the Year, opened up about the mental toll of her infamous feud with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian in 2016. The incident revolved around West’s song “Famous,” which featured a controversial lyric about Swift, leading to a publicized rift that Swift describes as feeling like “a career death.”
Swift revealed the emotional impact of the feud, stating, “Make no mistake — my career was taken away from me.” She recalled the release of an edited, recorded phone call by Kardashian, which added fuel to the controversy and left Swift feeling betrayed and psychologically shattered.
The Grammy winner shared the depth of her struggle, admitting to moving to a foreign country and isolating herself for a year. She expressed fear of phone calls and a deep-rooted mistrust in people. The fallout from the feud, combined with prior criticisms of being overexposed, left Swift in a vulnerable place in her career, with critics taking shots at her success.
Swift’s resilience shone through as she released the revenge-themed album “Reputation” in response to being labeled a “snake.” However, the critical backlash continued, leading her to believe that the negative perception would define her for the rest of her life.
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Despite the challenges, Swift emphasized the importance of gratitude and perseverance in her career. She learned to focus on her work and continue creating art, regardless of external pressures. Reflecting on her journey, she remarked, “I’m very careful to be grateful every second that I get to be doing this at this level because I’ve had it taken away from me before.”
Swift also shared insights into her evolving perspective on dealing with challenges. Rather than actively trying to defeat enemies, she believes that “trash takes itself out every single time.”
The feud with West had a history, as Swift recounted her desire for respect from him after the 2009 incident. Despite feeling antagonized, she expressed a longing for his approval, highlighting the complex dynamics between them.
This candid interview sheds light on Swift’s resilience and growth as an artist, emphasizing her commitment to creating meaningful art despite the trials she faced. As fans and the public witness Taylor Swift’s evolution, the interview provides a deeper understanding of the challenges she overcame on her journey to becoming TIME’s 2023 Person of the Year.
