Did Taylor Swift Really Pose with a Man in a Swastika Shirt?

In August 2024, a photo circulating online showed pop star Taylor Swift posing with a man wearing a shirt adorned with a swastika. The photo, shared by a Portuguese-language account on X, gained significant attention and controversy with over 3.3 million views. The caption read: “I won’t even elaborate on this one lol.”

Many social media users shared the image in both 2023 and 2024, asserting the picture was taken during Katy Perry’s 25th birthday party in West Hollywood in October 2009.

Some users questioned the authenticity of the photo, suggesting it may have been manipulated. Nevertheless, the image was genuine, and it created a stir, drawing criticism against the singer, who was 19 at the time, related to her apparent association with hate symbols.

Reports clarify that Perry’s Willy Wonka-themed birthday party included an activity where guests painted their white outfits, resulting in uniquely decorated attire. An attendee, identified as model AJ English, was seen wearing a shirt with a swastika symbol. Swift’s spokesperson emphasized that Swift did not know the individual personally and was unaware of the symbol when the photo was taken amidst a chaotic party atmosphere.

Back in 2009, Swift’s rep told TMZ: “Taylor took pictures with about 100 people that night … she doesn’t know who this guy is and she didn’t realize what was on his shirt.”

The event, inspired by “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” invited guests to dress in white, which they later decorated with neon paint. According to the Daily Mail, English explained that the swastika was initially intended to be an “X.” He apologized to Swift for the unintended controversy and clarified that he does not support Nazi ideology.

Further controversy arose around the letters “JH” painted on Swift’s dress. Some speculated it stood for “Jew Hater.” However, reports clarified that the initials referenced Swift’s close friend, Julianne Hough, who had “TS” (Swift’s initials) painted on her pants.

Snopes has previously debunked various rumors about Swift, including alleged witchcraft during her “Eras” concert tour and claims of her support for abortion.

Sources:

Antony, Aaron. “‘The Industry Is Filthy, as You Know’: Taylor Swift’s Swastika Scandal Explored as Tweet Puts Singer on Blast.” Sportskeeda , 23 Aug. 2023, https://www.sportskeeda.com/pop-culture/the-industry-filthy-know-taylor-swift-s-swastika-scandal-explored-tweet-puts-singer-blast.

“https://Twitter.Com/Dom_lucre/Status/1781362094824169637.” X (Formerly Twitter), https://twitter.com/dom_lucre/status/1781362094824169637. Accessed 22 Apr. 2024.

“Katy Perry Had a Birthday Party, so Now Taylor Swift Is a Nazi?” Los Angeles Times , 30 Oct. 2009, https://www.latimes.com/archives/blogs/ministry-of-gossip/story/2009-10-29/katy-perry-had-a-birthday-party-so-now-taylor-swift-is-a-nazi.

Mcconnell, Donna. “Taylor Swift in Racism Row after Posing with Fan Wearing Swastika Daubed on Shirt.” Mail Online , 30 Oct. 2009, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1224117/Taylor-Swift-racism-row-posing-fan-wearing-swastika-shirt.html.

“Taylor Swift Embraces the Swastika.” TMZ , 29 Oct. 2009, https://www.tmz.com/2009/10/29/taylor-swift-embraces-the-swastika/.

“Taylor Swift’s Swastika Scandal.” The Daily Beast , 29 Oct. 2009, https://www.thedailybeast.com/cheats/2009/10/29/taylor-swifts-swastika-scandal.