Country music star Zach Bryan has deactivated his X account, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, after a controversial post about Taylor Swift and Kanye West sparked widespread backlash. The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 18, when Bryan posted a three-part message stating, “eagles > chiefs,” “Kanye > Taylor,” and “who’s with me.”
The post quickly garnered attention from Swift’s fanbase, known as Swifties, who interpreted the first part of the message as a diss at Swift’s boyfriend, Travis Kelce, a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs. The mention of Kanye West also struck a sensitive nerve, given the rapper’s infamous interruption of Swift’s speech at the 2009 MTV VMAs and his subsequent controversial behaviors, including antisemitic comments.
In response to the backlash, Bryan took to his Instagram story on Thursday morning to apologize for the post. He explained that he was “drunkenly comparing two records” and that it “came out wrong.” He clarified that he was speaking purely from a musical perspective and that he loves Taylor Swift’s music.
“I pray you guys know I’m human and tweet stupid things often,” Bryan wrote. “Hope one day I can explain this to her. Twitter gets me in trouble too much, and I’d say it’s best I stay off it. I’m sorry to any Taylor fans I pissed off or let down. Love you guys, and I’m trying my best!”
Bryan further elaborated on his Instagram story, sharing Swift’s song “The Albatross” and admitting that he had been “going through a hard time in my own life” and may have been “projecting a little.” He acknowledged that his post “came off as rude and desensitized to Taylor” and emphasized that he respects her as a musician.
“The last thing I want is people thinking I don’t appreciate and love what she has done for music,” he wrote. “Okay, that’s the last of it! Love you guys and hope you understand. Don’t drink and tweet. Don’t drink and tweet!!”
In another Instagram post, Bryan shared his admiration for Swift, saying, “Taylor has been a force of nature for as long as we’ve all been growing up, and I admire that. I’m gonna go listen to this record now,” referring to “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version).” He reiterated that he never wants people to think he has “a hint of malice or meanness towards anyone, ever.”
Bryan’s apology came after he attempted to clarify his original post on X, writing, “guys I love Taylor, was listening to TTPD last night and thank you aimee came on and I drunkenly tweeted that about Kanye. If anyone took it serious please know I love both artists a lot and think we’re in a really beautiful time of music.” However, the backlash had already taken its toll, and Bryan ultimately deactivated his X account.
The incident highlights the power of social media to quickly escalate controversies and the importance of responsible posting, especially for public figures. While Bryan’s apology seems to have been well-received by some fans, it also serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of impulsive online behavior.
As for Taylor Swift, she has yet to comment on the incident. However, her fanbase has been vocal in their support of the singer, with many expressing their disappointment in Bryan’s original post.
In the end, Zach Bryan’s controversial post about Taylor Swift and Kanye West has led to a public apology and the deactivation of his X account. While the incident may have caused some tension between fans of the two artists, it also underscores the need for mindfulness and responsibility on social media.