However, this can also backfire. Many have criticized the pop star for unfairly branding herself as a victim. Her messages to young women have been called phony and opportunistic. Swift has also been accused of racial ignorance, a claim fueled by her online arguments with singer Nicki Minaj over issues of cultural diversity. This makes her problems with Kanye West all the more painful, and not directly addressing this point may detract from her “relatability” brand.
As this is happening, Kanye West is drawing attention to himself for reasons nothing to do with Taylor Swift. He recently announced that he was 53 million dollars in debt, a shocking revelation leading some to speculate whether that’s even possible.
On his Twitter account, he personally asked Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg for an investment. This is not helpful for West’s PR, which has partially centered on his tact and know-how in the music world. West’s behavior has even led to rumors about his mental health, with Dr. Phil “diagnosing” him on television. At a cursory glance, Taylor Swift seems to be coming out on top.
However, West is not backing down from Swift or her friends and fans. On his most recent album, The Life of Pablo, he explicitly states that her fame is his doing, and he hasn’t strayed from this notion despite Swift’s protests. While this may not be earning him any new fans, it is ramping up the tensions between Team Taylor and Team Kanye.
Swift’s refusal to confront issues of diversity, have become more pronounced since Beyonce’s Super Bowl performance, which boldly upheld her as a champion of Black activism. With this matter ever-present, Kanye West has a stronghold among those who see Swift as culturally out of touch.
Regardless of who’s coming out on top, one thing is true: Taylor Swift and Kanye West are both getting lots of attention right now. They know criticism can be used to their advantage, even if it means making some enemies along the way. As the saga unfolds, it’s worth it for PR professionals to closely watch their media tactics.
However, this can also backfire. Many have criticized the pop star for unfairly branding herself as a victim. Her messages to young women have been called phony and opportunistic. Swift has also been accused of racial ignorance, a claim fueled by her online arguments with singer Nicki Minaj over issues of cultural diversity. This makes her problems with Kanye West all the more painful, and not directly addressing this point may detract from her “relatability” brand.
As this is happening, Kanye West is drawing attention to himself for reasons nothing to do with Taylor Swift. He recently announced that he was 53 million dollars in debt, a shocking revelation leading some to speculate whether that’s even possible.
On his Twitter account, he personally asked Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg for an investment. This is not helpful for West’s PR, which has partially centered on his tact and know-how in the music world. West’s behavior has even led to rumors about his mental health, with Dr. Phil “diagnosing” him on television. At a cursory glance, Taylor Swift seems to be coming out on top.
However, West is not backing down from Swift or her friends and fans. On his most recent album, The Life of Pablo, he explicitly states that her fame is his doing, and he hasn’t strayed from this notion despite Swift’s protests. While this may not be earning him any new fans, it is ramping up the tensions between Team Taylor and Team Kanye.
Swift’s refusal to confront issues of diversity, have become more pronounced since Beyonce’s Super Bowl performance, which boldly upheld her as a champion of Black activism. With this matter ever-present, Kanye West has a stronghold among those who see Swift as culturally out of touch.
Regardless of who’s coming out on top, one thing is true: Taylor Swift and Kanye West are both getting lots of attention right now. They know criticism can be used to their advantage, even if it means making some enemies along the way. As the saga unfolds, it’s worth it for PR professionals to closely watch their media tactics.
Written by
EPR Editorial Team
The Everything-PR Editorial Team produces reporting, research, and analysis across thirty verticals — communications, reputation, AI visibility, public affairs, media systems, and digital discovery in the answer-engine era. Publishing since 2009.
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