Billboard Apologizes to Taylor Swift for Including Controversial Kanye West Clip in Tribute
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Taylor Swift recently received a formal apology from Billboard after the publication faced backlash for including a controversial clip from Kanye West’s 2016 music video Famous in a tribute celebrating her achievements.
The issue arose after Swift secured the No. 2 spot on Billboard’s Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century list. The tribute video shared on social media featured footage from West’s Famous music video, which included a wax figure of a n***d Swift alongside those of West and other celebrities. The inclusion of this clip drew immediate criticism from Swift’s fans and the public.
Responding to the backlash, Billboard removed the video and issued a formal apology to Swift. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the publication wrote:
“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.”
Swift, 34, has not yet publicly responded to the apology.
The controversy overshadowed what should have been a moment of celebration for the Love Story singer. On Wednesday, Billboard released a tribute video honoring her legacy, captioned: “@taylorswift takes the No. 2 spot on Billboard’s list of the Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century. 🥈”
Billboard’s apology highlights the continued sensitivity surrounding the infamous feud between Swift and West, which began in 2009 when West interrupted her acceptance speech at the MTV Video Music Awards. The tension escalated with the release of Famous in 2016, sparking a public fallout over the song’s lyrics and video.
While Swift remains silent on the apology, her fans have expressed disappointment over the inclusion of the clip, applauding Billboard for taking swift action but criticizing the lapse in judgment.
The incident underscores the importance of thoughtful curation in recognizing artists’ achievements, especially those with histories marked by public controversies. Despite the mishap, Swift’s placement as one of the greatest pop stars of the century remains a testament to her enduring influence and success in the music industry.
