Charli XCX has stirred up some controversy among Swifties after a striking photo was featured in her piece for New York Magazine on August 26.
The article highlights the 32-year-old’s new album, Brat, and her journey in music, but one photograph caught fans’ attention. Shot by renowned photographer David LaChapelle, the image depicts Charli on a stretcher in a red mini-dress, surrounded by doctors, paparazzi, and onlookers. Her arm is bandaged, and a bloody hand rests on ice, with friendship bracelets—similar to those from Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour—visible on her wrist.
This graphic image prompted backlash from fans, particularly in light of the tragic Southport stabbing incident in which three young girls lost their lives at a Swift-themed dance class, with many attendees donning friendship bracelets.
Fans expressed their outrage on X (formerly Twitter), with one user stating, “After what happened in Southport… Charli XCX is disgusting for this. Especially since the victims were CHILDREN.” Another chimed in with, “This [photo] is absolutely disgusting.”
On the flip side, many followers defended Charli, arguing that the two scenarios are unrelated. One supporter said, “These situations are completely different; comparing them is insane.” Another pointed out that the bracelets might be kandi, a staple in rave culture: “Kandi has been part of club culture for decades, and Taylor Swift didn’t invent friendship bracelets!”
Swift, for her part, praised XCX in the New York Magazine interview, saying, “I’ve been blown away by Charli’s melodic sensibilities since I first heard ‘Stay Away’ in 2011.” She commended Charli’s consistent innovation in music over the years.
Interestingly, Swift recently topped the UK charts, edging out XCX with a limited edition release of The Tortured Poets Department, leading to speculation about a potential feud between the two artists.