Executive Summary: Swifties believe Lana Del Rey subtly targeted Taylor Swift through lyrics in a new song teaser produced by Jack Antonoff, interpreting references to a ‘Chicago pose’ and ‘messy’ behavior as veiled criticism. The speculation stems from both artists’ professional ties to Antonoff and perceived stylistic tensions.
Who: The incident involves Grammy-winning artists Lana Del Rey and Taylor Swift, producer Jack Antonoff, and Swift’s fanbase (‘Swifties’). Ethel Cain—another artist referenced in the lyrics—became an unexpected focal point when Lana blocked her on Instagram amid the controversy.
What: On August 14, 2025, Lana Del Rey shared a 15-second Instagram clip titled ‘TRACK 13’ featuring lyrics: ‘Ethel Cain hated my Instagram post/Think it’s cute re-enacting my Chicago pose.’ Swifties dissected the snippet, noting Antonoff’s production credit and interpreting ‘Chicago pose’ as a reference to Taylor Swift’s 2023 Midnights album aesthetics. Fans also connected ‘messy’ to Swift’s highly publicized feuds.
When: The song teaser was posted on August 14, 2025, with fan theories exploding across social media within hours. Billboard, Pitchfork, and Vulture published analyses the same day.
Where: The controversy originated on Instagram (@honeymoon) before spreading to X (Twitter) and TikTok. Reliable music news outlets amplified the discussion globally, noting Antonoff’s studio involvement in Los Angeles.
Why: Speculation arises from Antonoff’s dual role as frequent collaborator to both artists and Swifties’ sensitivity to perceived slights against Taylor. The ‘Chicago pose’ reference mirrors Swift’s 2022-2023 visuals, while ‘messy’ echoes criticism of her celebrity feuds. Lana’s since-deleted comment about Ethel Cain ‘inserting herself into my personal life’ further fueled theories about indirect Taylor targeting.
How: Swifties employed comparative analysis of lyrics, visual aesthetics, and production credits. They highlighted how Antonoff’s signature sound creates artistic parallels between Lana and Taylor, making subtle jabs potentially resonant. Lana’s blocking of Ethel Cain—confirmed via Instagram Story—added layers to the narrative about industry tensions.
Impact: The incident reignited debates about artistic originality in producer-driven pop, with fans questioning whether Antonoff’s style homogenizes artists’ work. Streaming data showed a 27% spike in both artists’ catalogs as listeners compared their music. Industry observers note potential strain on Antonoff’s relationships with multiple A-list clients.
What’s Next: All eyes are on whether the full track (potentially titled ‘TRACK 13’) releases on Lana’s rumored tenth album. Taylor Swift’s upcoming appearance on the ‘New Heights’ podcast may address the rumors, while Antonoff faces pressure to clarify his creative boundaries with competing artists.