Charli XCX has sidestepped inquiries about a potential feud with Taylor Swift, following the release of Swift’s song ‘Actually Romantic,’ which fans believe targets Charli. The incident underscores the ongoing speculation surrounding their relationship, with both artists fueling rumors through their music and public appearances.
In a recent Vanity Fair cover story published on October 14, 2025, Charli XCX declined to comment on Taylor Swift’s new track ‘Actually Romantic’ from her album ‘The Life of a Showgirl.’ When asked about the song, which many interpret as a diss track aimed at her, Charli chose to remain silent, avoiding any direct acknowledgment of the alleged rift. This refusal to engage has only intensified public curiosity about the nature of their relationship.
According to a Page Six report from the same day, Swift’s lyrics in ‘Actually Romantic’ include pointed lines such as ‘Wrote me a song sayin’ it makes you sick to see my face’ and ‘I heard you call me ‘Boring Barbie’ when the coke’s got you brave.’ Fans have linked these to Charli’s own music and public persona, suggesting they reference her song ‘Everything is Romantic’ and rumors about her lifestyle. Swift has described the track as dealing with a ‘one-sided, adversarial relationship,’ though she has not explicitly named Charli as the subject.
Charli’s response extended beyond silence; during her appearance on ‘Saturday Night Live’ over the weekend, she wore a cropped T-shirt emblazoned with ‘Max’s Kansas City,’ a nod to a famous New York nightclub. However, many viewers saw this as a subtle dig at Swift, whose fiancé, Travis Kelce, plays for the Kansas City Chiefs. This sartorial choice was widely interpreted as a playful or defiant gesture in the ongoing feud narrative.
In the same Vanity Fair interview, Charli seemed to throw shade at Swift’s recent announcement of a six-episode documentary on her Eras Tour. She revealed that she had scrapped plans for her own tour documentary, stating she ‘felt the market was already saturated with similar projects.’ Charli elaborated that she prefers authenticity over heroic narratives, criticizing how musician documentaries often portray artists overcoming obstacles to become heroes, which she said does not align with her experiences.
The history between Charli and Swift dates back to 2018 when Charli opened for Swift on the ‘Reputation’ tour, but their relationship has since been marred by speculation. Earlier this year, Charli’s song ‘Sympathy Is a Knife’ was rumored to be about Swift, though Charli never confirmed this. The latest developments have reignited discussions about their dynamic, with fans dissecting every lyric and public move for clues.
Social media has been abuzz with theories, as dedicated fan bases for both artists engage in heated debates. The feud has become a cultural talking point, highlighting how celebrity conflicts can captivate public attention and influence perceptions in the music industry. For now, the lack of direct confrontation keeps the story alive, with both artists maintaining an air of mystery around their true feelings.
As the situation evolves, it remains unclear whether Charli or Swift will address the rumors more explicitly. Their avoidance of direct commentary suggests a strategic choice to let the music speak for itself, potentially shaping their future creative outputs and public images. This ongoing saga reflects broader themes of rivalry and interpretation in pop culture, where fan theories often blur the lines between art and reality.